Do you only house people with a spinal cord injury? Expand Yes, as a spinal injury charity we support those who have been paralysed by a spinal cord injury.
What do I need to do to get the property? Expand You will need to complete a referral form so that we can determine whether you/the person you are referring will meet our criteria. As our properties are let for a period of six months to allow for a long-term solution to be sought, it is important to have an ‘exit strategy’ in place. This may be an open application to your Local Authority Housing register, selling to purchase, or adapting a property. You will also need to confirm a funding stream to cover the costs of renting.
What do I have to pay? Expand Rent differs depending on location, but all are considered ‘affordable rents’ and are inclusive of service charges. If you are entitled to Housing Benefit/Universal Credit this may cover the rent and you will need to make an application after signing the tenancy. You will be responsible for council tax, utilities, TV licence, wi-fi etc.
How soon can I move in? Expand Once we have determined that you meet our criteria and have an exit strategy in place, this is up to you, and we encourage you to work with your discharge team (if applicable) as to what a suitable date might be and how soon care and equipment can be in place for you. It is important to note that Housing Benefit will only pay a maximum of four weeks prior to discharge, for a new tenancy. So should your tenancy begin, and your discharge be delayed beyond four weeks you may be liable for rent in the interim.
How long can I stay/will I have to leave after 6 months? Expand If you are approaching the end of your six month stay you can request an extension if your long-term housing has not been found. You will need to request this in writing and evidence that you have continually worked towards finding your long-term housing e.g., demonstrate that you have been bidding on properties, viewing potential properties for sale or that your adaptation works are ongoing.
What if I find a property in less than six months/before tenancy is up? Expand That’s fine, all we require is four weeks notice to end the tenancy.
How are your properties furnished? Expand All our properties are fully furnished including small appliances, utensils, and crockery. The only essential furnishing you will need is bedding.
Do you operate a waiting list? Expand Yes, we do. You can see our Housing Map for a list of all our properties. If your preferred property is not currently vacant you can still complete a referral form. We will then contact you should this become available.
Can I further adapt the property? Expand No, as an interim option aimed to support many people over time, the property cannot be adapted to your needs specifically. However, all our properties are fully adapted to Category 3 Wheelchair user dwelling standards. These include rise and fall units, a fully accessible wet room and appliances/furniture which is easily compatible with aids provided by your Community Occupational Therapist.
Do you provide Care? Expand No, we do not provide care. Should you require care this will be provided by Adult Social Care, if you are entitled to Social Care, or your Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) if you are entitled to Continuing Healthcare. If you are currently an inpatient, please speak to your Discharge Coordinator regarding care. If you are currently living in the community, please speak with your care provider about a potential move and transferring your care package to a new address.
Do you provide equipment? Expand Our properties are fully furnished and will include general aids and adaptations such as grab rails, side opening ovens, a rise and fall kitchen counter, hob, and sinks. We cannot supply any equipment specific to your needs (such as a Hoist) as these will need to come via your Community Occupational Therapist. If you think you may need additional equipment, please speak with your discharge coordinator if you are an inpatient. You can also contact your Social Worker, Care Provider or GP for a referral.
Do you provide support? Expand Yes, we provide ongoing support to our tenants to obtain their long-term housing goal and return to independent living after sustaining a spinal cord injury. We understand that for our tenants, their lives have changed. They may no longer be able to continue with the work they did pre-injury or the hobbies they enjoyed. They may temporarily be living away from family and friends or feel they are struggling with isolation. We will assess your goals with you at the point of signup and within the Housing Team we have a dedicated Tenant Support Officer who will continue to conduct regular goal planning sessions with you to support with any issues you may be facing. We work and liaise with other organisations to best support you where required.