This project compliments our Tenant Support Service in that its' main focus is to support people to maintain their tenancies, and, where possible, to remain in their local communities. 

The project provides support for those who live in the North Down and Ards area, do not have a current support service and:

 may have alcohol-related problems but are not motivated to address them;

 may have a personality disorder;

 do not have a diagnosed mental illness, but experience depression;

 may be outside the remit of the learning disabilities services;

 may be asylum seekers;

 may be homeless or at risk of homelessness.

 sit outside the existing programmes of care.

The Community Support Programme works to deliver outcomes in line with the Supporting People national framework, building services around the needs of programme participants so that we maximise opportunity and minimise risk.  The five outcome areas are: Economic Well-being, Enjoying and Achieving, Being Healthy, Staying Safe and Making a Positive Contribution.

Successful outcomes include integration into the existing community infrastructure and society, an increased ability to manage money, more effective communication and a healthier lifestyle to name just a few examples.

Referrals

Any Trust professional or local Community Worker may make referrals to the project.

Completed referral forms should include suggested tangible goals and outcomes for project intervention with the identified person. It should also identify the benefits to the applicant in conserving an effective tenancy.

 Completed referrals will be considered by a YMCA/SEHSCT panel which meets regularly.

his project meets the complex needs of individuals who don't, or who are currently unable to engage fully with main stream provision, Leza’s work encourages and supports participants to reconnect with their family, friends, community and relevant service providers—it makes a big difference”

 Trust Professional

“I now get out of the house, I feel less isolated because I’ve made some new friends and feel a lot happier within myself”

 Programme Participant

Person Centred Support - An Example

An action plan is developed with the client during the initial visits and is continually reviewed on a regular basis throughout the period of engagement with the project.

The service is reviewed internally on a regular basis to ensure best practice and continual improvement.  Clients will be asked to complete a Service User Questionnaire as part of this review to assess how useful the service has been to the client.  The project is also subject to audit by Supporting People and RQIA to ensure strategic relevance, value for money and service guidelines are being adhered to.

The length of time that support is offered varies from client to client.  It can be available from 6 weeks to 2 years dependent on client need.  It is hoped that the client will meet his/her objectives identified in the action planning process and that they will develop the skills and attributes to effectively maintain their tenancy.  During this period it is envisaged that the individual will develop a sense of worth and self confidence to allow them to play an active role in the local community.  

It is only in exceptional circumstances that support will be extended beyond the 2 year maximum.  However any client exiting the project can return to the service at any time.  On leaving the service clients are asked to complete an exit questionnaire to review quality of service received.