Support to live independently

Supporting People is a government programme helping vulnerable individuals and families access housing-related support services to enable them to live independently in the community.

What support could I receive?

Housing-related support services do not include personal care services like help with washing or dressing but do include:

• Help settling into a new home
• Help filling in applications for benefit
• Help managing your budget
• Help planning meals, shopping and cooking
• Help keeping to your tenancy conditions
• Help establishing social contacts and activities
• Ensuring you are safe in your home, e.g. providing  a community alarm system
• Emotional support
• Advice and advocacy

Am I eligible?

Supporting People is available to individuals aged 16 or over as well as families.  People likely to receive support include:

• Older people
• Those with physical or learning disabilities
• Those with mental health problems
• Those with drug and alcohol-related problems
• Women and their families fleeing domestic violence
• Homeless people

Is there a charge?

If you are eligible for help, services under two years are provided free of charge. 

Charges will vary for services over two years.  If you receive housing benefit or are applying for housing benefit, the Supporting People programme could help you pay for your services.  If you do not receive housing benefit you can ask Supporting People to carry out a means tested assessment to determine whether and how much they can help you pay for your services.  The assessment cannot be backdated so do not delay in applying.

For more information on Supporting People contact housing or Oxfordshire County Council Supporting People Team.