Supported housing - customer
bpha is a housing association, based in Bedford.
We manage supported housing for people with mental health conditions in Bedford and for people with learning disabilities in Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire.
What is supported housing?
Supported housing is somewhere safe and comfortable to live, where you’ll receive intensive housing supportfrom an Independent Living Housing Officer.
We have ‘move on’ schemes where you can live for up to two years, until you’re ready to move on and live more independently. bpha also has two supported living schemes for people who need a longer-term home.
While you live there, you will work with your Independent Living Housing Officer and others within your support network, to give you the skills you will need to live well and be independent.
Why am I being referred for supported housing?
You may need supported housing because of changes in your mental health or current situation. You may need help setting up your bills or services, completing forms, or other help to manage your tenancy.
We will work with you and the person who referred you to choose the best accommodation and support to suit your needs.
What will my home be like?
Our schemes are individual one-bedroom flats that have a cooker, fridge and either a washing machine, or access to a laundry room.
Your home will be in a small block, where you will have a few neighbours who are in a similar situation to you. One of our Northamptonshire schemes is a house shared by three people, each with their own bedroom.
A condition of living in bpha supported housing, is working with your Independent Living Housing Officer. You will meet them regularly to develop and review your person-centred action plan. You will also have their contact details so you can get in touch with them when you need to.
What happens now?
A referral application will be filled out and sent to us. The form includes information about your situation and the type of support you need, plus proof of income and identification. Don’t worry about this – the person referring you will go through it with you.
Once we have this, we will contact you. We may arrange a suitability assessment so that we have all the information needed to choose the right accommodation and support plan for you. Or, if we already have this information, we may invite you to view a flat.
