Floating Support Scheme

What is Floating Support?

Floating support is assistance provided in your home by a housing support worker. It is called floating because it can be given to people wherever they live. Floating support can include any of the following:

  • Support with claiming welfare benefits and budgeting
  • Support with trying to furnish your home
  • Support with social and leisure activities
  • Emotional support
  • Support with finding training and employment
  • Advocacy and liaison with other council departments
  • Signposting to other types of accommodation
  • Signposting to specialist agencies

Floating support will only be considered where there is a primary housing issue (for example - rent arrears, tenancy issues whilst in temporary accommodation).

If there is no housing issue it is likely a different support is appropriate (for example - mental health), and in this instance the service will signpost to the relevant agency.

Who can apply?

Any resident in temporary accommodation or secure council tenant; any tenant of a housing association/private landlord, or any owner occupier who:

  • Feels they need extra support, or
  • Has not lived independently before, or
  • Has a learning disability, or
  • Has a mental health problem, or
  • Has problems budgeting and managing bills

How does it work?

A referral will be made to the council; usually by someone you already know like a hostel warden, housing services officer, social worker, although you can refer yourself.

The housing support workers will make a joint visit to your home to complete an assessment and discuss what help you need.

If you are accepted into the scheme a second visit will be made by a housing support worker to agree the date the service will start and for you to sign the documents required. Also at this visit an 'Individual Support Plan' will be drawn up showing the areas of support to be provided to you.

Your housing support worker will visit you usually on a weekly basis and the time spent with you each week will vary. For example, one day you may need help to complete a form, another day you may need help planning to move house.

How long will the support last?

After three months your situation will be reviewed to see how you are getting on. The support can be extended for a period up to two years, but the aim is to help you become independent.

There will usually be a period of less intensive support before the service is withdrawn altogether. This is agreed between you and your housing support worker.

How can I find out more?

Contact the Floating Support Service on the telephone number below or ask someone you know well to contact us for you and refer you to the scheme.

Tel: 01954 713422/ 01954 713324

Alternatively, you can email us at mandy.downs@scambs.gov.uk (This link will open in a new window)

If you wish to make a referral to the service download a copy of the Referral Form

If you wish to have this information in a leaflet form, please download a copy of the Floating Support Leaflet

All cases are dealt with in the strictest confidence