Floating Support Scheme

BBHA actively promotes the development of services for people who need help and support to obtain or maintain accommodation which will give them security and stability and enable them to settle within the community.

The Association has established floating support schemes in Newcastle, Gateshead, Northumberland, North and South Tyneside.

The aim of the service is to ensure that the individual maintains control over his or her own life and has the opportunity make their own independent choices.

In total the Association provides floating support for 110 vulnerable people in their own homes.

Services provided through the floating support schemes include;

• Access to community groups and services i.e., Doctors, schools, colleges, solicitors etc.
• Access to welfare benefits system
• Assist with all aspects of resettlement within the community
• Budgeting and debt advice
• Registration and fuel suppliers
• Advocacy, including issues relating to successfully maintaining tenancies
• To help develop and maintain independent living skills
• Staff will assist tenants to comply with the tenancy agreement
• Providing advice, advocacy and general support to individuals moving into a new tenancy
• Dealing with disputes from neighbours
• Life skills, including advice on food preparation and storage
• Organising access to professional help or arranging outside visits/appointments
• Liaison with relatives

The support service will be provided in line with an individual Support Plan (ISP) agreed by Byker Bridge Housing Association staff and the individual tenant who will have the commitment and ability to work within an agreed support plan. The support plan is designed to provide a comprehensive response to individual needs and aspirations.

The tenant takes an active part in decisions relating to their support. The support plan is agreed between the tenant and their support team, regularly reviewed and co-ordinated by a named worker.

Newcastle Floating Support Scheme provides support to 26 men and women across Newcastle who have learning difficulties and require assistance with maintaining their own tenancies.

Gateshead Floating Support Scheme provides support to 12 young people between the ages of 16 and 19 years old. The scheme is in partnership with Gateshead Youth Offending Team and is available to young people who are ex-offenders or at risk of offending, young people leaving care or young people experiencing difficulties with their tenancy.

Northumberland Floating Support Scheme operates in Blyth Valley and Tynedale. The scheme offers support to 32 men and women aged 18 - 65 years old who are suffering enduring mental health problems, learning disabilities and substance misuse problems.

Under The Bridge Project in North & South Tyneside offers support to adults who have multiple and complex needs who are difficult to engage and who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Click Here to get more information on Under The Bridge.