Supporting People

FAQ's

 


Who can get help from the Supporting People Programme?

Anybody over the age of 16 and needing housing related support can apply, either on an on-going basis or just for the short term. Examples of people we have already helped are:

  • Older people (includes hospital discharge)
  • People with learning disabilities
  • People with mental health problems
  • People fleeing domestic violence
  • Homeless or potentially homeless people/Refugees
  • People with physical or sensory impairment
  • People with Substance misuse issues
  • Children leaving care/vulnerable young people
  • Ex-offenders
  • Chronic Illness (including HIV and AIDS)
  • Gypsies and Travellers / Migrants / Refugees
  • People with Dementia
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What help can you receive?

We provide a wide variety of support including: -

  • Help with budgeting and debt management
  • Maximising income/benefit entitlement
  • Assistance to complete a broad range of forms
  • Advice, advocacy and liaison with other agencies
  • Reading/understanding correspondence or bills
  • Promoting healthy lifestyles
  • Assistance to access GP’s/Dentist/Opticians
  • Encourage life skills/confidence
  • Support to maintain good relationships with neighbours and others
  • Re-settlement advise and assistance
  • Assistance to request repairs, use own appliances safely
  • Recognise and manage risk and feel secure within their home
  • Access to training, voluntary opportunities or employment
  • Motivational domestic support
  • Warden support
  • Connection to Community Alarm / Telecare / Assistive Technology

If you feel you would benefit from any of the above services please contact us or download a Referral Form. (pdf 24k)

Adobe Acrobat iconNB: The Referral Form is a PDF file, you may need to download 'Adobe Acrobat Reader' to view. Click here to download the Acrobat Reader

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How much does the service cost?

Most of our services are free of charge. These include all floating support services, as well as supported living for young people, women's refuges, hostels, motivational domestic support and some supported lodging accommodation

There is a charge for all council and RSL (Registered Social Landlord) sheltered accommodation, the community alarm service and the domestic cleaning service provided under the floating support scheme. You can complete a fairer charging or Financial Assessment Form if you feel you are unable to meet the full cost of the service.

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How can I apply?

If you are currently in receipt of housing benefits or council tax benefit and are eligible to receive a Supporting People funded service you will automatically receive the full subsidy grant to cover the costs of the support you receive.

If you think this applies to you but you currently pay for your services please contact us or download a Referral Form. (pdf 24k)

If you are not in receipt of housing benefits and are eligible to receive a Supporting People funded service you can complete a Financial Assessment Form, this assessment is a means tested application and can calculate the amount the government think you can afford to pay towards your service.

Adobe Acrobat iconNB: The Referral Form is a PDF file, you may need to download 'Adobe Acrobat Reader' to view. Click here to download the Acrobat Reader

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I've already completed a financial assessment form for the home care I receive. Do I need to complete another form?

No. If you have already completed a financial assessment form because you are in receipt of domiciliary (home) care you do not need to complete a second form. Some people will only have to pay one charge, which will cover both Home Care and Supporting People.

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What if my circumstances change - will the charging change too?

If your circumstances change in a major way, like the loss of a partner or divorce, or big gains or losses in income, you will move onto the new charging scheme. If your change of circumstance is a minor one your charging will not change. Please contact us to find out more.

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I have heard that the scheme is means tested. Does this mean that I will have to pay big charges to make up for reduced funding?

No. A Fairer charging system is currently being used within Caerphilly county borough that will calculate the correct amount you will need to pay towards the service (if anything at all).

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Who will carry out the means test?

Caerphilly county borough council's Social Services Finance section will carry out the means test.

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How long can I receive the service for?

The service provided is based upon needs and outcomes, the length of time that a service can be provided is unique to each individual, the support worker will work with an individual to agree a plan of support, addressing needs and timescales to address concerns raised. The referrals will be prioritised at point of receipt to ensure a specialised provider delivers support in a timely manner.

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I've completed the referral form - how long do I need to wait before I hear from someone?

Within a week of receiving a referral, a desktop risk assessment is carried out; the appropriate provider is identified and contacted. A letter will be sent to the person being referred providing contact details of the provider and an acknowledgment letter is also sent to the person making the referral (if different).

The support provider will contact the individual separately to arrange a date and time to visit.

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