Support starts at home

ISHA staff holding banners promoting supported housing

ISHA supports the National Housing Federation’s call for the government to strengthen the vital services supported housing provides.

Ruth Matthews, ISHA Specialist Housing Officer, said:

“Supported housing can offer life-changing assistance to people who need it, allowing them to live independently, safely and comfortably somewhere they can call their own.”

Many people may not receive the support they need without a comprehensive, long-term housing plan that considers the need for supported housing. Sadly, recent research suggests the UK will not meet the demand to address this issue.

Everyone should have access to a safe, secure, and affordable place to live. Supported housing aims to ensure that all members of our communities can enjoy their lives to the fullest, regardless of their circumstances, ideally within the comfort of their own homes.

Supported housing is a vital service that empowers more than half a million people to live independently. Without the right homes with the right support, more people will be at risk of homelessness, will face longer stays in residential or institutional care and will have longer hospital stays, placing more demand on the NHS and social care.

Support for those who need it shouldn’t mean they have to move out or rely on social care; it should start at home.

Testimonies

Read stories from people who’ve benefited from supported housing.

How you can help

Use the hashtag #startsathome to support the campaign and raise awareness of how important it is to act now.

What should be included in a long-term plan for supported housing?

A Commitment to add 167,000 supported homes by 2040
Give local authorities the ability to plan, fund, and commission supported housing
Ring-fenced funding to cover support costs
Improved data collection on supported housing needs
£300m Housing Transformation Fund recommitment
A long-term housing plan to ensure no one is left behind