Housing Related Support services – Substance Misuse

Overview

We understand that for some people with drug and alcohol issues, housing related problems can be a barrier to their recovery.

Currently, Heathfield House (a 24-bedded accommodation project) provides housing support for people affected by drug and alcohol issues.  This contract is ending in 2015 so we are proposing to change the model of service delivery to create improved pathways, better outcomes for service users and a more efficient use of financial resources.

Why your views matter

We want to find out what people think of the proposed changes to housing related support services for people affected by drug and alcohol problems. We would also like to know how people might be affected if the services were changed.

Service users directly affected by these proposals will be contacted individually with a questionnaire. However, we want to hear from as many people as possible so this consultation is open to anyone who would like to share their views on our proposals.

Please read the information below and the frequently asked questions attached before you complete the questionnaire and the scroll down to the ‘Give us your views’ option at the bottom of the page to begin.

Proposed new model

Our proposed model will create one service that provides both accommodation for service users and supports people living in their own tenancies through a service known as floating support. This type of mixed provision will help support people in their recovery within their own homes and also offer a stable and safe place to live for those that need it.  

Floating Support

Floating support will work with service users who already have accommodation (private, council, housing association) but who may be at risk of becoming homeless as a result of their substance misuse. In these cases, the floating support will work with service users and housing providers to reduce the risk of eviction and improve the service user’s ability to manage their own tenancy.

Floating support will also be offered to service users who are leaving hostel accommodation, custody, residential rehabilitation or the accommodation based provision within the Housing Related Support model as a result of securing stable accommodation. This support will be offered as part of their treatment package to make sure they can maintain their tenancy and to help them reduce the risk of rent arrears or homelessness.  

Accommodation Based support

The accommodation based support will provide a small unit of approximately 10 beds. These beds will be for people who are working with treatment services towards their recovery and who are homeless or require more intensive support and a period of stability as a result of their substance misuse. This will be an intensive level of support for approximately six months to maximise their engagement with their structured treatment programme. A key aim will be to provide a safe and therapeutic place where individuals can remain free from drug/alcohol use.  Eligibility criteria and referral pathways

Referrals to a substance misuse specialist and Housing Related Support will be via Leicester City substance misuse treatment providers.  Referrals from any other source will not be accepted.

The service will be available for both male and female services users aged 18 or over who live in Leicester City. Service users will also need to be actively engaged with a structured treatment programme to address their substance misuse issues.  All support offered will be part of a service user’s planned care and structured treatment provision.