Starts at Home Day 2024 | News

We’re highlighting the difference that supported housing makes to people as part of today’s Starts at Home Day (30 August). 

The Starts at Home campaign is led by the National Housing Federation (www.housing.org.uk) and recognises how supported housing helps hundreds of thousands of people each year to regain their independence and confidence. 

 

What is supported housing? 

Supported housing is the umbrella name for housing services that provide safe environments and vital personal support and care services to help people to live as independently as possible.  

It includes suitable homes and appropriate services for a wide range of people including older people, people with learning disabilities, people with autism, people with mental health related needs, vulnerable young people, people who’ve experienced domestic abuse, and people who’ve experienced homelessness. 

As a member of Greater Manchester Housing Providers (GMHP), a partnership of 24 housing providers, we offer a wide range of sheltered and extra care accommodation, support for domestic abuse survivors, homelessness shelters, and housing services for those with disabilities.  

Registered providers in Greater Manchester are estimated to provide supported housing to more than 25,000 households. 

 

Why do we have Starts at Home Day? 

The GMHP partnership supports the three main goals of Starts at Home, which is a national day of action to: 

• Show the value of supported housing. 

• Recognise the services and contribution that supported housing staff have made to people’s lives. 

• Secure long-term political support and national funding for supported housing services, so we can continue to help those who need it to settle into and thrive in their tenancy. 

Like other not-for-profit social housing providers across the country, we’ll continue to do all we can and work closely with specialist partner organisations to meet local people’s needs and help them to flourish.  

However, national funding is needed to meet the increasing demand for supported housing and ensure that people who need extra support will always have a safe home that meets their needs. 

The Starts at Home campaign seeks the long-term national funding commitment necessary to ensure we can keep running supported housing services that transform lives. 

 

Examples of how we’ve supported people to live independently and safely

1. Supporting a vulnerable tenant 

One of our tenants, who has Asperger’s Syndrome, faced significant challenges living independently. Our teams coordinated with social services to address health and safety concerns in her home and relocated her to a more suitable property. With ongoing support, her mental wellbeing improved, and she now lives more independently and is no longer isolated. 

2. Supporting a family 

A family of three, referred by children’s services, needed a more suitable home for their one-year-old daughter and support with financial assistance and budgeting. One parent, receiving mental health support, required additional help. Our teams provided family support and money advice for 12 months. The family now lives in a stable home, continues to engage with health services, and receives support from their local UCAN centre team.   

3. Supporting a young person with their mental health and wellbeing

A young woman, referred by her clinical lead, needed housing and resettlement support. Institutionalised since age 14 following a sexual assault, she had a history of self-harm and was diagnosed with emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD). Our teams, in collaboration with medical professionals, developed a risk management plan and provided a fully equipped home. We assisted with setting up utilities, updating benefits, and ensuring ongoing support. She now lives independently, manages her finances, and engages well with support services. 

These short stories, among many others, help to show the crucial role of supported housing, which the Starts at Home campaign aims to highlight and support through increased awareness and funding. 

Supported housing not only transforms individual lives but also strengthens our communities by providing stability and reduces the demand on other services. 

Read more stories about the true value of supported housing and get involved on social media using the #StartsAtHome hashtag.

If you can relate or know someone who might be experiencing similar situations or circumstances, please contact us for support at 01204 328000.