Our Supported Living offers adults with a learning disability the opportunity to live independently in their own home or to share with others with whom they are compatible.
Our service can be an alternative to living in long-term residential care or the next step towards independent living for those looking to move on from living in a residential care setting or living with their family.
We have developed and continue to develop positive working relationships with a range of social and private landlords. This assists us in supporting each person – where possible – to seek, secure and maintain their own tenancies in accommodation of their choice.
Support is shaped around the needs, skills and ambitions of each individual and can include activities of daily living, personal care, budgeting, using public transport, accessing the community, healthy lifestyles, and social and leisure activities for example.
Our community support service provides adults with a learning disability the support they need to access the community in order to engage in work, educational, social and leisure activities of their choice.
Whilst we acknowledge that the very nature of many community-based activities can mean they are done as part of a group, we also recognise that the demands presented by these activities can vary significantly from person to person.
Therefore, we offer a tailored package of support in line with the community activity choices and specific needs of each person, aimed at ensuring access to engage in chosen activities is maintained while developing the skills needed to reduce the need for support where possible over time.
Occupational therapy plays a critical role in helping people of all ages to overcome the effects of disability caused by illness, ageing or accident so that they can carry out their everyday tasks or occupations.
Occupational therapists are skilled professionals who find solutions to everyday problems. For example; giving advice on how to approach a task differently, the use of equipment or assistive technology, adapting living or working environments, and finding strategies to ensure chosen goals are achieved.
Information gathered through assessment can be used to provide evidence to demonstrate the progress an individual is making as a result of the support they are receiving.
Additionally, Occupational Therapy recognises the link between meaningful activity and health and wellbeing. This provides an invaluable perspective in ensuring that the focus of support remains relevant and continues to benefit each person.
This service is freely available to all people receiving a support package from Steps to Independence Ltd.
Occupational Therapy assessments can also be completed for people who are not in receipt of a support package from Steps to Independence Ltd.
Please contact us for more details.
We support people with a learning disability to seek and secure accommodation of their choice in accordance with their needs, abilities and personal preferences, taking into account their available budget. Options include single or shared living arrangements.
Wherever possible, individuals will hold their own tenancies directly with the landlord of the property – symbolising the emphasis on independence that is integral to what our organisation stands for. In situations where the person is unable to sign for a tenancy of their own directly with the landlord of the property, there are alternative arrangements that can be explored. Examples of these are family standing guarantor, or Steps to Independence Ltd taking on the property in the first instance, then providing the individual with their own tenancy.
It is important to note that occupying a property that has been taken on by Steps to Independence Ltd does not mean that individuals are obliged to receive ongoing support should it be their wish to change provider of support in the future.
Contact us for further information about accommodation options available.
In 2003, regulations came into force that required councils in England to offer Direct Payments to all people using community care services. Direct Payments are a comparatively new approach to supporting people to live independent lives and exercise more choice and control over the services they receive.
For individuals, a Direct Payment can mean the difference between having to live in an institutional setting and having the assistance you need to live in your own home in your local community.
To get a Direct Payment, you will need to contact your local social services department and request an assessment of need. For people already in receipt of services, you can contact your local council to discuss the option of switching to Direct Payments.
