Project: Supported Housing Development
A programme of small Supported Living developments, aiming to deliver up to 80 new units of accommodation over a 4 year period.
The need for new services has been established through analysis of accommodation and support need recorded through MOSAIC, and presented through overarching business case in March 2023.
The business case set out a detailed evidence base to establish priorities and recommended a mixed approach to delivery – to include commissioning from market providers as well as direct development.
A £3m of Capital funding over 4 years has been secured to support delivery the project.
This is both to meet new need and to shape the existing market by providing alternative accommodation options in areas with overreliance on poor service provision.
Initial market engagement session was held in June 23, and a more detailed session took place on 26th September 23.
Feedback has been collated and is informing Commissioning Plan to be produced by end of February 2024.
Expressions of interest made for DC-owned sites. Option appraisals and full business cases will be undertaken for these sites, including recommended delivery approaches.
The proposed approach is to focus on three main models of accommodation with support:
- Shared houses for young people, designed to offer something similar to the student experience. These should have a clear focus on the development of independent living skills, links to local colleges and vocational training, and support for move on into more independent settled accommodation. There is a clear need for specialist support around mental health need for younger people.
- Small clusters of 4-6 self-contained properties, benefiting from a shared support service in a small community that is well integrated and linked with wider neighbourhood and community.
- Bespoke properties for individuals with complex needs, who can be designed to a high specification. Generally, this will be for people who are unlikely to benefit from a shared support service. However, we are also aware of a cohort of people who currently live in shared Residential Care services for whom small-scale shared supported living may be the most appropriate step down from institutional care.