£2.2m scheme to support Mansfield’s vulnerable
Support and assistance to Mansfield’s most vulnerable residents is set to continue thanks to Mansfield District Council, which has committed more than £2.2million to maintain services following the cuts to the Supporting People programme.
The decision by Nottinghamshire County Council to make a budget reduction in Adult Social Care and Health has resulted in the Supporting People budget being considerably reduced by £10million across the County. On 1 April 2013, Mansfield District Council will see its budget reduced by £1.9million for its short term and long term housing support services.
In order to sustain the service, Mansfield District Council has restructured its housing needs service and allocated a budget of £2,232,870 from existing budgets and savings to allow both long and short term support services to continue for Mansfield residents.
The new service called ASSIST (Advocacy, Sustainment, Supporting Independence and Safeguarding Team) will come into effect on 1st April 2013.
It will continue to offer short term support services including a temporary accommodation service for people who are homeless, along with a prevention advice and support service for people at risk of becoming homeless.
For those who require longer term support, this will be available including 24 hour response, and subject to demand other services such as enhanced leisure activities, health and wellbeing programmes, access to hairdressing, chiropody and meals within housing complexes. Some of these activities will be provided by external organisations who will be selected by the council, but funded by the customer, unless external funding can be secured.
There will also be enhanced companionship services and home help services, which will assist residents with tasks such as making travel arrangements, housekeeping and socialising.
The Council will also continue to offer its Lifeline service, a 24 hour response service which gives people who live alone the security of knowing that someone is available at the push of a button if they require assistance or support.
Coun Mick Colley, Portfolio Holder for Housing Needs and Tenancy Services, said: “The Council’s priority is to support the most vulnerable people in our District to help them live independent lives within their own homes; therefore it is essential we sustain this vital service for those who rely upon it.
“I would like to thank the officers who have worked tirelessly to revitalise the service and form a safety net to ensure the impact on our community’s most vulnerable is minimal.”
For more information about the new ASSIST service, please contact the council’s Housing Needs team on 01623 463 341.
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Saturday 25 May 2013
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