Blackpool Coastal Housing manages 20 Sheltered Housing Schemes, providing over 800 homes. The Sheltered Housing Service aims to provide high quality accommodation promoting a safe and secure environment. We offer choices and support to meet individual needs in order to retain independence, thereby enhancing quality of life.

Our Sheltered Schemes can offer you the following benefits:

• A secure tenancy with the privacy of your own front door,
• A Scheme Manager onsite who can provide advice and support,
• Individual Support Plans tailored to you,
• Peace of mind with 24 hour emergency assistance through the connection of each home to Vitaline, our Community Alarm Service,
• Social activities within your Community Centre,
• A quarterly newsletter to keep you up-to-date on relevant news and issues.

Who is eligible?

• People aged 65 or over who can live independently, but would benefit  from the services of a Scheme Manager.  This includes people who can live independently with the aid of a social care package.
• People under the age of 65 may be eligible due to vulnerability; this will be assessed in accordance with your housing need. 

How much does Sheltered Housing cost?

The cost of a Sheltered Housing home differs from Scheme to Scheme. However, you will pay a weekly rent charge, plus a service and support charge. The service charge includes the cost of Support Services, maintenance of the Community Centres and communal grounds. You may be entitled to assistance with rent from Housing Benefit or Income Support – you will be advised about this on application. The Scheme Manager or Housing Officer will also be able to advise you on whether you will receive help with paying part of the service charge from the local Supporting People Scheme.

What help is available?

The Scheme Manager is a link to all Health and Social Care Services as well as the Advocacy Service, Welfare Rights, Advice Link, Age Concern, Citizens Advice Bureau etc. The level and nature of support will vary according to your needs, the scheme, and the local area. The Scheme Manager can discuss with you exactly what support can be given.

What is a Support Plan?
 

When you move into a Sheltered Housing Scheme, your Scheme Manager will introduce you to your Individual Support Plan. This plan is designed to agree your individual needs and levels of support. This can range from an intercom call once a week, to a visit 5 days a week if necessary. A Support Plan will also help you to understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. The plan also includes referral forms to Social Services if extra support is needed. A support plan is reviewed every 6 months, or when necessary.

What sort of properties has the Sheltered Housing Service got?

We provide:

• One bedroom self-contained bungalows consisting of a living room, kitchen and bathroom with garden areas,
• One and two bedroom self-contained flats with living room, kitchen and bathroom,
• Studio flats consisting of bedroom/lounge, separate kitchen and bathroom.

What activities are there on the Sheltered Schemes?

This may vary from scheme to scheme, but activities can include:

• Dancing
• Bingo
• Keep fit
• Cards and dominoes
• Crafts
• Lunch clubs
• Educational programmes

Sheltered tenants are encouraged to actively serve on committees (known as Over 55’s or Social Clubs), take part in activities, and bring their ideas to the Community Centres.

Related Links:

Blackpool Coastal Housing Website

Department for Communities and Local Government Website

Homestop Website

Citizens Advice Bureau Website