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What is Supporting People?

The Supporting People programme was launched in April 2003 to help vulnerable people live independently in their own homes. It is a national programme funded by the government, administered by Northumberland County Council and managed locally by Northumberland Care Trust.

The Supporting People programme pays for services for vulnerable people who require housing related support to live independently. We don't provide the services ourselves, instead we use the grant we receive from the government to pay for specialist housing related services.

The support provided can be either short or long term. The support helps people live independently and safely at home.

Who can Supporting People help?

A person can need help to live independently at home for many different reasons. People who may need help include:

• People who have mental health problems
• People with a learning disability
• People with a physical or sensory disability, for example people who can't see or who are deaf.
• Homeless people or those at risk of homelessness
• Young people leaving care or who may be at risk
• People who have been in prison or who are at risk of offending
• Women fleeing domestic violence
• Refugees
• People with drug or alcohol problems
• People with HIV or Aids
• Travellers or Gypsies
• Teenage parents

What sort of things can Supporting People help with?

Some of the ways Supporting People can help you to continue living in your home include:

• helping you control your money and manage your bills
• helping you with personal safety and security in and around your home
• helping you to complete forms and read letters
• helping you to contact other professionals or agencies
• helping you to deal with neighbour disputes
• helping you to move to more independent housing

What sort of things can Supporting People NOT pay for?

Supporting People does not help with things such as personal care, nursing care or home care.  This includes things like, community meals, personal care such as bathing and toileting and any nursing care. You can still get help with these services but just not through the Supporting People programme.

How can I find out about the services available?

Detailed information on the services available can be found by searching the service directory on the Northumberland County Council website.

Is there a charge for support services?

People receiving short term services (2 years or less) are not charged and support costs are paid for by Northumberland Care Trust.

If you are receiving long term services (over 2 years) there may be a charge.  However, if you are receiving housing benefit your support charges will be paid in full.  The payment does not go to you but is paid direct to the organisation providing your support. 

How can I get help from the Supporting People programme?

Please contact the supporting people team for more information. You can contact us in writing or by telephone.

Supporting People
Social Care Directorate
County Hall
Morpeth
Northumberland
NE61 2EF
 
Tel: 01670 533881 

Further information

You can get further information on the Supporting People programme by visiting the Northumberland County Council website.

There is also a Supporting People website which contains information on the national programme.