Supporting People
Supporting People is a government programme that funds housing related support. The programme is committed to helping people improve their quality of life by living more independently.
What is Supporting People?
Supporting people is organised and run by Hertfordshire County Council. The aim of Supporting People is to prevent homelessness and help people do things for themselves so that they can continue living at home, rather than go into hospital or residential care.
The Supporting People programme can also help people make the transition from living in an institution to living independently.
This support can be tailored to individual needs and may include:
- Help to get the right welfare benefits
- Helping you feel safe in your own home
- Helping you to develop life skills such as cooking and cleaning
- Helping you with social skills, e.g. interaction with neighbours, involvement in social activities
- Helping you deal with landlords and a range of professionals
- Accessing services such as a doctor, dentist, etc
- Assistance with personal budgeting to help you stay where they live
- Support with neighbour disputes
- Support with moving to more independent accommodation
- Advice on home improvements and grants to help you stay in their your home, through Home Improvement agencies
- Community alarms and response services
The Supporting People directory of services along with further information on Supporting People can be found at Herts Direct's Supporting People website 
.
Supporting people aims to help many different people in various circumstances and walks of life. Examples of groups being helped are:
- Older people
- People with a physical disability or sensory need
- People with a learning disability
- People with mental health problems
- People who have experienced or are at risk of domestic violence
- People with drug or alcohol misuse problems
- Young people (16+) in need of support
- Teenage parents
- Homeless people or those at risk of homelessness.
- Offenders
- People with HIV or AIDS
- Gypsies and Travellers
- Refugees with leave to stay in the country
How can I access a service?
If you think that you would benefit from accessing a housing-related support service provided by Supporting People, please get in touch.
Contact details along with further information on Supporting People can be found at the Herts Direct's Supporting People website .