A design guide for supported housing is going to be developed by the Housing Corporation, Housing Corporation Board member, Chris Holmes, announced in his closing speech at the National Housing Federation (NHF) Housing Care and Support Conference.
The Housing Corporation will work together with the Department for Communities and Local Government, key providers of supported housing, and renowned design practices to produce a best practice guide for the sector.
The objective is to assemble a comprehensive set of best practice guidance, tailored to meet the needs of different client groups. The resulting guide, 21st Century Supported Housing, will be available in Spring 2007.
Chris Holmes, Housing Corporation Board member, said: "I am delighted to announce the start of the Housing Corporation's work on a design guide for supported housing. By partnering with Government, experts and providers, and showcasing the best in current design quality, we aim to help bring existing and new build accommodation right across the sector up to a standard suitable for the 21st Century."
To find out more about the project, or to put a supported housing scheme forward to be featured as a good practice example, please contact: karin.stockerl@housingcorp.gsx.gov.uk.
A review of Government policy on independent living for disabled people was announced by Baroness Royall, Government Whip and Health spokesperson.
Speaking during the second reading of the Disabled Persons (Independent Living) Bill in Parliament, Baroness Royall said:
"Independent living is a reality for some disabled people in spite of the disabling barriers that still exist. However, in its fullest sense, independent living is still a dream for too many. There is a long way to go before disabled people have the same choice, freedom, dignity and control over their lives as non-disabled people. That is why we have set up a review to make independent living a possibility for all disabled people.
"This cross-Government Independent Living Review will identify the practical next steps we need to take and look for creative solutions to the many obstacles faced by disabled people.
The review will initially take 12 months and will:
The review will regularly report progress to the Independent Living Expert Panel. Detailed proposals are expected to be published in Summer 2007.
An open day to showcase three housing schemes for people with mental health needs was held in Forest Gate.
The event was organised by East Living, which runs the three schemes: