Supported Living Services · London Borough of Barking and Dagenham (Oct 2023)

Supported Living is a person-centred approach to housing in which Service Users live in shared accommodation with care and support. Services operate 24/7, 365-days per year for individuals who have had a needs assessment and meet the Borough's eligibility criteria. The Council strives to ensure individuals in supported living are offered bespoke care to maximise their skills and independence as based on the Care Act of 2014.

The Council believe that the primary purpose of Supported Living is to enable people with disabilities and/or mental health difficulties to live as independently as possible. Supported Living services should aim to help individuals gain greater independence and life skills through contact with the Contractor. Contractors have a key role in delivering support in a manner that enables Service Users to:

• contribute to their vision of personal growth and the achievement of life goals including completion of education and the finding of employment where possible.
• form a developed skill base to encourage greater day to day independence.
• recognise any signs of deterioration and be able to act upon them with due regard.

Additionally, the Contractor will also be required to have a strong relationship with the Local Authority and act as a valued partner. The Contractor must work with the Council and representatives from Health Services to:

• continually improve Service User experience and ensure that residents can live their most fulfilled life.
• share key objectives and collaborate for mutual benefit with partners and Service Users.
• communicate outcomes quarterly and seek to improve outcomes continually.
• adapt to changing needs as required.