Dave Shaw is Director for Sanctuary Supported Living, a national, not-for-profit organisation, delivering a range of supported housing, retirement communities, and care and support services to over 10,000 people each year.
We believe everyone should have equal opportunity and access to affordable, high-quality housing and support. But we recognise that the most vulnerable people in society – those at risk of homelessness, young people, people with disabilities, those with mental health needs, and peopl
e experiencing domestic abuse – are often the most overlooked and disadvantaged when it comes to appropriate housing solutions.
Our mission is to support people on their pathways towards independence by building safe, affordable homes and sustainable communities. And our commitment extends beyond providing secure tenancies. We provide personalised support, adhering to the rigorous standards set by the Regulator of Social Housing and, where appropriate, those of the Care Quality Commission or Ofsted, and we champion our customers’ right to choice and control so they can make their own decisions, manage their responsibilities, and achieve their goals.
However, one of the biggest challenges we face, along with the wider supported housing sector, is the uncertainty surrounding funding. Although supported housing delivers exceptional value for money and positively impacts peoples’ lives by helping them maximise their potential and achieve meaningful outcomes – the sector is under increasing financial pressure.
Currently, the situation in England is concerning. Local authorities face long waiting lists and an unacceptable number of children and adults with support needs are relying on emergency, temporary solutions. This issue is exacerbated by the rise in rough sleeping, leaving many without access to a safe and warm environment.
In partnership with the government, our role is twofold. First, we must ensure that society understands and values the importance of supported housing. Second, we need to address economic factors, including funding shortages and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, that disproportionately impact the people who need the most support in our communities.
Supported housing plays a huge role in alleviating pressure on essential services such as the NHS, care services, justice systems, and emergency services. Yet, despite these obvious benefits, we’re seeing a concerning trend of reduced funding and the decommissioning of important services, posing risks to those who rely on our support and creating uncertainty about their future.
For people who need support, inadequate support and housing can have serious consequences for mental health and lead to physical health deteriorating. Additionally, these challenges create ripple effects that extend to families, causing increased stress and instability as they navigate these difficulties. Given the stakes, it’s essential that we prioritise robust support and longer-term investment.
So, how can we address these challenges effectively?
Ideally, we need to secure ring-fenced funding to protect supported housing from decommissioning. As experts in our field, we’re eager to contribute our knowledge and work collaboratively to amplify the voices of those who rely on our support. By advocating for supportive policies and focusing on preventative measures and a comprehensive long-term strategy, we can ensure the future availability of sustainable, affordable housing.
There must be a clear commitment to maintaining and enhancing government funding, including the Rough Sleeper Initiative (RSI) funding and other local authority resources, which are essential to commission and sustain support and accommodation for those in need. Preventative Housing Related Support (HRS) services are a proven, economically viable model that contributes significantly to supported housing and broader public spending solutions.
Our approach should focus on addressing health inequalities and removing barriers to life’s most basic aspirations – like having access to education or employment – so we can better support the people who need it the most. We recognise the importance of collaborating with local governments to meet regional supported housing needs and support vulnerable individuals effectively. Without a steadfast commitment to supported housing, individuals who could thrive independently with appropriate support will face extended stays in residential care or hospitals – or even homelessness. People like Andy, who we supported in managing his complex mental health needs, and Stephen and Louise, who found stability and happiness together for a brighter future.
Ultimately, securing long-term funding is vital to protect and expand supported housing across the country, and we must work together to ensure a stable future for the people who depend on it to thrive.