Waltham Forest and Newham Supported Housing

Waltham Forest and Newham Supported Housing is a 49 bed project providing accommodation and medium generic support for people with immediate and ongoing needs.

• Aims
• Referral Criteria
• Accommodation
• More information
• House Rules

Waltham Forest and Newham Supported Housing Service Aims

The overarching aim of the project is to provide the support clients require to move towards independence. This includes:

• To promote independence and the development of life skills in preparation for move-on.
• To support tenants towards education, training and other meaningful activities

Back to Top

Waltham Forest and Newham Supported Housing Referrals

The service is for:

• With the exception of Edward House, people over 18 years of age and have a local borough connection. For referrals to Edward House, people must be between 16-18.
• People in need of supported accommodation and prepared to engage with the planned support and resettlement programme.

Clients must undergo an initial assessment for suitability by the referring agent, self-referrals are not accepted.

SHP will make an individual assessment about each potential client’s suitability for the service. This is based on the level of their support needs, the capacity of the project to meet those needs safely, and the individual’s willingness to work with staff.

Back to Top

Waltham Forest and Newham Supported Housing Accommodation

The service comprises six shared houses, with a total of 28 bed spaces.

All of our properties are large, fully furnished, comfortable houses. Each client has their own bedroom, with shared access to kitchens, bathrooms and laundry facilities. Each property also has a communal garden.

The units at Katherine Road provide temporary accommodation for a maximum of 2 years for men with medium level support needs around alcohol and substance misuse, offending behaviour and mental ill health.

The units at Knox Road provide temporary accommodation for a maximum of 2 years for women with medium level support needs around alcohol and substance misuse, offending behaviour and mental ill health.

The units at Romford Road provide temporary accommodation for a maximum of 2 years for people with medium level support needs around alcohol and substance misuse, offending behaviour and mental ill health.

The units Blackhorse Road provide temporary accommodation for a maximum of 2 years for men with medium level support needs around alcohol and substance misuse, offending behaviour and mental ill health.

The units at Edward House are part of a mixed scheme for 16-17 year olds to address their medium level support needs. For this age group such needs will generally relate to the acquisition of living skills and assistance with gaining access to training or education. Those with secondary support needs relating to moderate substance misuse, low level offending or mental health issues will also be considered.

The units at Palmerston Road provide temporary accommodation for a maximum of 2 years for people with medium level support needs around alcohol and substance misuse, offending behaviour and mental ill health.

Back to Top

More about Waltham Forest and Newham Supported Housing

Each client has a designated support worker who provides regular keywork according to the support needs of each client. Services provided are as follows:

• Help in setting up and maintaining a home or tenancy
• Help to develop domestic/life skills e.g. budgeting, shopping, cooking
• Help to develop social skills/behaviour management
• Help to access work, education or training
• Help finding other accommodation
• Help in managing finances and benefit claims
• Emotional support, informal counselling, advocacy and advice
• Help in gaining access to other services
• Help in establishing social contacts and activities
• Advice and monitoring relating to health and well being
• Liaison with statutory agencies
• Access to local community organisations
• Sign posting to culturally specific services

In addition to keywork, support staff encourage user participation and attendance at monthly house meetings as well as involvement in SHP art projects and other initiatives.

Back to Top

House Rules

Residents are issued with a tenure agreement and a set of house rules. These will be explained when prospective residents are interviewed. This includes rules on smoking, which is only permitted in residents’ bedrooms.

The service operates within SHP’s drug policy, which covers the use of all drugs including illegal or controlled drugs. In order to offer a secure and stable environment for everyone, no visitors are allowed.

Back to Top