Working together to support people with Learning Disabilities

Working together to support people with Learning Disabilities to live independently – a local authority approach Jane Edmends Housing Services Manager

Effective internal working “Getting our own house in order” - Need for a clear and mutual understanding of housing need (rather than aspiration) - Remove the professional language & have a agreed understanding of ‘independent’ living - Bring in the right colleagues from the beginning (don’t forget your front line teams) - Understand your roles / who has the appropriate expertise

So what have we done Establishment of a LD Strategic Review Group • Used and agreed model to understand priority accommodation needs. Extensive work has been undertaken to understand: Ø Ø Timescale of need (‘best estimate’) The complexity of each individual’s circumstances Specific and individual requirements Court of protection issues • Refined the above to address individual needs • Understand prepare for transition

We now understand priority accommodation needs - so what…. Make effective use of exiting housing stock – specialist, supported & general housing needs Ø Ø Allocation Panels Accessing Choice Based Lettings Use of the private rented sector Make the best use of internal resources ‘Adaptions / DFG’s / Assistive Technology) Take all potential opportunities to access new build affordable housing Give confidence to your RP/private housing partners

The challenges don’t go away To name a few……… • The need to respond to unexpected / emergency housing needs • Addressing ‘older’ models of accommodation • Aspirations (colleagues and families) – be realistic we can only help with accommodation we have / can get access to • Financial (pressures) and ‘Affordability’ issues

Finally Buts lets not end on a negative we have moved forward significantly: • We understand housing need / future demand • We have made a real difference to peoples lives • We have effective partnerships with RP providers & there are funding opportunities • We have secured significant inward investment into the borough Many thanks for listening any questions? If not I would love to hear what works for you……….