Help for homeless and vulnerable

FOUR new contracts to support some of Warwickshire’s most vulnerable residents to enable them to live independently in the community have been announced this week.

Two of these services will be accommodation-based with support provided to customers living in accommodation provided for the purpose. The other two services will be provided in the community on a “floating” basis where support workers visit customers wherever they are already living.

The contracts for these newly designed services have been awarded after a competitive tender process.

The new services will be offered to customers on a short term basis for up to two years with the aim of preventing homelessness and supporting vulnerable customers to live independently in the community with a strong focus on building resilience. Services will offer a range of support covering for example, financial capability/budgeting, maximising income (including welfare benefits), liaising with landlord regarding tenancy issues, maintaining physical and/or mental health, preventing harm together with improving opportunities through education, training and employment.

Cllr Jose Compton, Warwickshire County Council’s portfolio holder for adult social care, said: “I am so pleased that the invitation to tender for the contracts to support some of our more vulnerable residents was responded to so positively.

“We have had to change the way we provide the service and the recommissioning process has ensured that we can deliver appropriate support to those who most need it.”

Cllr Alan Webb, Chair of the Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, said: “This is important work to give vulnerable 18-25 year olds and others a supporting hand as they make their way in adult life and to be able to make their full contribution to the Warwickshire community. Although the change is driven by cost-savings, I am pleased to see such dedicated experts in this field have come forward to help.”