The Supported Housing Strategy sets out the council’s priorities to meet the housing needs of:
- older people
- people with learning disabilities
- people with autism
- people with mental health conditions
- people with physical disabilities
- people at risk of or experiencing homelessness
- care experienced young people
Whilst the strategy is in relation to the ‘cohorts’ of people above, it is recognised that people’s needs are often complex and that innovative approaches to housing and support that go beyond these ‘cohort’ definitions will be required and indeed desirable:
- an assumption that mainstream housing suitably designed or adapted will be appropriate for many people with care or support needs
- housing solutions may be multi-functional, for example, providing a mix of mainstream housing, supported housing and potentially other facilities
- all housing and supported accommodation for people with care or support needs should assist and facilitate inclusion in community life
Consultation and engagment
The relevance and success of this strategy has involved a wide range of key stakeholders and people with lived experience across Cumberland Council’s local communities. The council has worked with Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) to support the development of a co-production toolkit that enables the council to complete comprehensive engagement with those who have lived experience in supported housing.
SCIE’s report on the outcomes from the engagement has provided meaningful and comprehensive feedback, which has enabled us to review and re-evaluate the priorities set out in this strategy.
The council’s experience of working with SCIE has fundamentally shifted the way we think about how we should be providing supported housing and services in the future. The development of toolkits has given the council a framework in which to work so that the voices of those with lived experience are heard.
SCIE toolkit
This toolkit supports the creation of a housing strategy.
Toolkit framework
The SCIE toolkit offers a structured ten-step framework for co-producing housing strategies with diverse communities
Focus on preference and needs
Step 4 centers on identifying residents' preferences and needs to inform housing and support system strategies
Expert guidance and flexibility
SCIE provides national expertise, guides workshop facilitation, and ensures toolkit adaptability for all cohorts.