Supporting People is a government programme that was introduced by the government in April 2003 to change the way in which housing related support is funded, commissioned and monitored across England and Wales. The programme is committed to ensuring that vulnerable people have the opportunity to live more independently in the community. In Suffolk the programme is managed by the County Council on behalf of all the 7 District and Borough Councils, along with probation and the health authority.

Who does Supporting People help?

The housing-related support services that the Supporting People programme funds help a wide variety of people who need assistance to either develop their skills and confidence so they can live independently without support or to allow them to continue living independently with the provision of ongoing support. Such services can be delivered as a floating support service. This means the support remains with a vulnerable person wherever they live. This is either tailored to help maintain a person in a tenancy or to deal with a particular problem. The assumption is that this support is for a short time only and simply "floats away" when it is no longer needed. The support could be provided as part of a package that includes the provision of accommodation. A good example of this is accommodation for older people where the tenant needs longer term help.

These services are delivered by a wide range of service providers on behalf of Supporting People and might include:

• Assistance in setting up and maintaining your home
• Assistance in managing money and other independent living skills
• Assistance in claiming benefits and completing forms
• Assistance, advice and support to prevent homelessness
• Well being and general support

How can people find out more about Supporting People services?

• If you think you need housing-related support or want more information about how the programme could help please don't hesitate to contact Suffolk Supporting People
• Visit the Supporting People website: Suffolk Supporting People
• If you want to see how Suffolk have set out their vision and key priorities for delivering high quality support services for vulnerable people please read the 5-year Strategy

If you require information about housing in general or if you are homeless please refer to the Housing home page.