Cumberland Council has launched a consultation on its draft Supported Housing Strategy; a five-year plan designed to help people live independently in safe, secure, and suitable homes throughout Cumberland.
Supported housing provides essential care and support for those who need it. Feedback on the draft strategy is invited from Cumberland residents, partners, and anyone with lived experience of Supported Housing.
Input is particularly sought from those who access Supported Housing services, their families and support networks. Those who access Supported Housing are primarily:
- Older people
- People with learning disabilities, autism, mental health conditions, or physical disabilities
- People at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness
- Care‑experienced young people
For more information and to take part, go to https://consult.cumberland.gov.uk/supported-housing-strategy. Survey closes on Wednesday 4 March 2026.
Cllr Emma Williamson, Cumberland Council Executive Member for Children’s Services, Family Wellbeing and Housing, said;
“People are at the heart of everything this strategy seeks to achieve. Understanding the experiences and needs of everyone in Cumberland is crucial to ensure that housing and support services genuinely enable people to live safely, independently, and with dignity. We invite you to complete the survey, your feedback will help shape a strategy that reflects real experiences and delivers meaningful, positive outcomes for our community.”
Cllr Lisa Hinton, Cumberland Council Executive Member for Adult Social Care, said:
"Supported housing plays a vital role in helping people live independently while receiving the care and support they need. This consultation gives our residents and partners the chance to influence how services are designed, ensuring they are tailored, accessible, and responsive to the needs of vulnerable people across Cumberland. I encourage everyone with experience or insight to have their say and help us shape a strategy that truly works for our community."
The draft strategy draws on recent research, including, General Housing Needs Study (Arc4 Ltd), Supported Housing Study (Housing LIN), Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2025‑2030, Adult Social Care Market Position Statement 2025‑2029, and Sufficiency Strategy 2024‑2027. Documents are available via the Cumbria Observatory or Cumberland Council’s website.