Supported Living: Bespoke and Joined-Up Care in the 21st Century

There is much criticism levied at services which not only work in siloes, but often appear to proactively refuse to work together. This is, sometimes unfairly, seen as being at its worst in the health and social care sector. However, Supported Living firmly rejects such an assessment, putting the idea of partnership working at the heart of how schemes are developed and operated.

Tracing its roots back to 1974, when student volunteers from Ely pioneered the model, Supported Living refers to social housing schemes that provide personal care and support to people as part of their tenancy, allowing them to live in their own homes. Despite care and housing being provided under separate agreements, and often by different organisations, all services are delivered seamlessly and in partnership, regardless of who is responsible for its component parts. Usually operated in small clusters of housing, accommodation often contains shared spaces, but each person has their own home.

The support and care provided helps people to live as independently as possible, allowing them to choose where they live, who they live with, how they would like to be supported, and most importantly, what happens in their own home.

Adferiad is proud to be involved in providing supported accommodation across 21 separate properties across Wales, including a scheme that operates across 5 separate locations in the very city where the model first gained momentum, Cardiff.

Last week, we were delighted to attend the official opening of the latest addition to the Cardiff Supported Living portfolio – Blenheim Court, delivered in partnership with Cadwyn Housing Association, Albany Road Baptist Church, Cardiff Council and Welsh Government. Blenheim Court provides 12 one-bedroom flats across two floors, alongside a welcoming cafe and community meeting spaces.

The transformation of this building into a warm, safe and supportive environment has been made possible because of the dedication and collaboration of everyone involved. Part-funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, Cardiff Council and Welsh Government, the scheme demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations work together to meet local needs.

The official opening took place on Tuesday, 24th February, which gave guests an opportunity to look around the fantastic facilities. We were also delighted to welcome the Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, who attended to see the scheme first-hand and learn more about the partnership and the services being delivered.

The support we provide at Blenheim Court and the wider Cardiff Supported Living Service, commissioned by Cardiff City Council Social Care. follows a Core and Cluster model, where individuals hold their own tenancies while receiving background and individually tailored care and support. This approach enables people with complex needs to live as independently as possible, with the reassurance that the right support is there when needed.

Our aim is to deliver person-centred support that helps these individuals stabilise their lives, better manage their mental and physical health and enhance their overall quality of life and independence.

Blenheim Court represents the potential for a sense of community. Together with Cadwyn and the other partners, we are proud to be involved in providing a safe and supportive space where individuals can move forward with their lives.

From small beginnings over 50 years ago, the concept of Supported Living has become a shining example of partnership working and a model on which integrated health and social services, fit for the future, can be built.