Our Bristol supported housing service has the capacity to house and support over 200 young people aged 16 to 25. With a mixture of self contained flats and shared houses across the city we are able to offer an integrated approach to housing and supporting young vulnerable people. As well as providing a safe place to live & housing related support to build all the relevant skills to live independently, we also offer all our residents support in accessing and maintaining training, education and employment. We have strong links and good working partnerships with many supporting, training and educational agencies across the city.
Our Allocation Policy states: “ To ensure a full fair and accessible service, Independent people do not operate a blanket ban on any particular client group other than those who fall out of the age range of 16 to 25. Each applicant is fully assessed on their own merits, taking into account any risk or risk management plan that may impact negatively on themselves, fellow residents, staff or the community”
We work with the Housing Support Register (HSR) run by Bristol City Council ( BCC). The register tells us who is chosen and referred to us and what their housing priority status is. The register contains all our eligibility criteria. Young people must complete an On line Referral Form ( ORF) with a member of support staff at Independent People or through Bristol City Council’s Housing Advice Team. Please see Bristol City Council’s web site for more information on the Housing Support Register. The MARF or ORF is then passed to the Council's Housing Advice Team who will assess the housing priority of the young person and place the applicant on the register. Independent People will then invite the young person for a full interview and assessment of their needs. If Independent People is not the right service, we will tell the young person verbally and in writing of reasons why and signpost the young person to alternative sources of support.
Most of our accommodation is in shared houses, sharing with two to seven other young people, you get your own bedroom, but share a kitchen and bathroom with your fellow residents. Some of our bigger houses have a resident adult or caretaker to be on hand to offer additional general advice during out of office hours for those who need a little extra support. We also have a range of one-bed self-contained flats which sole use of the kitchen & bathroom and own front door.
If there is sufficient demand we can look at adapting our houses for specialist accommodation. We have in the past offered gay, lesbian , Kurdish, Somali men, Muslim women, and women only houses when the need has been there.
Once you are living with us, we will provide you with a Housing Support worker who will agree a tailored plan of support with you, which will offer support in the following areas for up to 2 years. • Help with settling into your new home with us. • Help with applying for and setting up benefits • Getting to know your local community • Understanding your License or Tenancy agreement and your rights & responsibilities • Help with budgeting and managing money • Support accessing information and other services • Help with building independent living skills and marinating your accommodation • Activities and peer support • Advice and support in moving on • Staying safe and keeping healthy.
The plan covers the five key points which are part of the Every Child Matters program. Resources we offer • A named Housing support worker • Stationery and postage for letters • Telephone and internet access • Advocacy and advice from a trained member of staff • Referrals to specialist services such as counselling / drug and alcohol • Weekly or fortnightly visits from your Housing Support worker • A confidential service • A detailed assessment of your needs • A detailed and individual support plan • Non judgemental & impartial advice on any problems you may be facing.