Housing Brokerage Service
This is a new scheme which aims to match those aged between 16 & 65 years old seeking supported housing with the supported accommodation available in Poole.
Supported housing is accommodation for people who are vulnerable in some way.
Residents are 'supported' in their home by paid staff. The housing can be a room in a shared house, a purpose built hostel or self contained property for those with disabilities. The accommodation is usually provided by a housing association although some private companies also offer this type of housing. These organisations are called providers.
How does it work?
Applicants who need housing with support join the Council's housing register and their details are entered into a computerised system. The Council is notified by a provider when a property becomes available and the applicant is matched with the right accommodation.
Most of the providers in Poole have joined the scheme, although some are excluded (like elderly persons accommodation) because they have their own established waiting lists or the support may be specialised, like drug treatment.
Applicants who are ready to move to more independent living can be helped to find private rented housing. Some applicants will receive Council or housing association properties, this is because a percentage of one bedroom flats are set aside each year to help people move on from supported housing schemes.
Who can be referred?
Applicants with a need for housing related support will be able to apply. Their needs will be assessed and if they require supported housing they will join a waiting list.
Applicants must be in need of support such as help with managing their finances, paying rent, cooking, applying for benefits, filling out forms, independent living skills etc.
Who can refer?
Applicants can refer themselves by completing the housing application form and a referral form. Social Workers, Care Managers, Connexions Workers, GP's, Housing Advisers, the Quay Advice Centre and other professionals can refer.
What happens to your referral?
When the service receives your referral it will be assessed using a points system to score how much support is needed. This will also help when deciding which supported accommodation is most appropriate for a particular referral. The referral will then be nominated to a Provider who has a vacancy. If there are no vacancies the referral will enter a waiting list for a vacancy to become available.
If your referral is assessed through the points system & it shows that you are not eligible for supported housing as your needs are not high enough the Housing Brokerage Service will pass your referral to an appropriate floating support service who will provide support in your home.
How do I make a referral?
There are two different referral forms that are available through the Borough of Poole website. One can be completed on line and e-mailed back to us and the other can be printed off completed and posted to us. Please select the following link to apply for it.
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