Supporting People Scheme

Most people want to live independently in their own properties. But many people need some help and support.

People may need support because

they are young and at risk
an older person who needs help
they may have a physical or learning disability
be homeless, at risk of domestic violence
have mental health problems or have a drug or alcohol dependency related problem.

To help pay for housing related support services the government has set up the Supporting People scheme. In Oxfordshire, the Supporting People scheme is run by Oxfordshire County Council in partnership with Oxford City Council and the other district councils, the local Primary Care Trusts and the National Probation Service Thames Valley.

Practical Advice and Help

Supporting People is about guidance, practical advice and help. This can include:

A community alarm
A mobile warden service
Advice about keeping to the rules in the tenancy agreement
Help with housing benefits claims
A referral to independent advice services
A referral to professional support services

The Supporting People fund pays for housing related support services that the Council provides. Support means advice and help to make it easier for vulnerable people to live independently.

Do I qualify for help from the Supporting People scheme?

If you are an Oxford City Council tenant living in

Sheltered accommodation
Designated elderly accommodation with a hard wired alarm

then you will receive housing related support from Oxford City Council staff.

If you receive one of these services you will be charged a weekly support cost. If you are on a limited income and have a support need, Supporting People may pay the amount of your support charge to us.

To apply for financial assistance you need to complete a Supporting People Subsidy form, which we will send to Oxfordshire County Council. The forms are available from our Supporting People Finance Officer. See contact details on the right of this page.

Please note that claims cannot be backdated so do not delay in applying.

If you do not live in one of the types of accommodation listed you may still be able to access community alarms from us or specialist floating support from another organisation. If you want to know about support services we provide or other support services in the City please contact the Control Centre, your Estate Manager, Mobile Warden or Temporary Accommodation Manager.

Contact Us

If you wish to discuss any aspect of the Supporting People scheme please contact the Supporting People Finance Officer, or the Elderly Services Control Centre by telephone to arrange for a member of staff to visit you at home. See contact details on the right of this page.

Further Information

More information about Supporting People can be found on Oxfordshire County Council's website.

Or you can contact the Oxfordshire County Council Supporting People Team using the details on the right of this page.

Complaints

If for any reason you are not happy with the service provided and would like to make a complaint please see our Complaints page.

Page last reviewed 9 May 2008