Sheltered Housing Services

Our Sheltered Housing Service has been awarded the Code of Practice Certificate of Achievement by the Centre for Sheltered Housing Studies, ensuring that services are :

• of a high quality
• provide choice
• meeting current and future needs, particularly for older people
• cost effective
• professionally delivered and managed.

The aim of sheltered housing is to allow older and vulnerable people to remain living independently in their own homes.

Our sheltered housing also meets the challenges set by the Government's "Supporting People" policy which was implemented in April 2003. The focus of this policy is on high quality services which promote independence.

Running in parallel with the service review is our investment programme which is bringing our properties up to a high standard. The investment programme also seeks to address the changing needs and aspirations of the elderly population by refurbishing and where possible changing sheltered schemes to provide 'Homes for Life'.

We also trying to ensure that the investment works reflect the needs of disabled tenants by addressing accessibility issues where practicably possible. There are still challenges ahead, but we are determined to meet the needs of our vulnerable tenants.

Freebridge has been awarded with CSHS Code of Practice for Sheltered Housing. The Code of Practice has ten standards, which must be met in order to achieve accreditation, these include having trained and supported staff, confidentiality, independence and empowerment. There must be evidence of clear policies and procedures as well as evidence of how these are put into practice on a day to day basis by front line staff. To obtain the accreditation a portfolio of evidence, containing contributions from every member of the team, interviews with Sheltered Housing Managers, meeting with tenants at a chosen scheme by an assessor and meetings of a working group who gathered and presented evidence. Housing Manager Jan Mitchell said "The accreditation is very important to us - having an independent assessment which concludes that our service is provided in accordance with best practice is yet another step towards achieving our vision of building an excellent sheltered housing and support service for people living in Kings Lynn & West Norfolk".

For more information please visit the CSHS website www.cshs.co.uk

Associated Leaflets:

For further information on Sheltered Housing, download the leaflets below:

• Choosing Sheltered Housing - A Guide for Older People or Younger Persons with a Disability
• What is Supporting People - How we aim to Meet the Government's Standards

Our Sheltered Housing Schemes