Back in 2015, the government announced it was changing the funding model of supported housing. These changes would make it more difficult for the sector to build the much-needed new supported housing schemes and it risked the closure of critically important existing schemes.

In response, the National Housing Federation (NHF) created ‘Starts at Home’ with their members, as a moment and story for supported housing.

The experience of supporting people through the pandemic has shown the value of care and support services and the difference that having a safe and secure place to live can make to people’s lives. Housing associations need clarity on long-term funding so they can provide more homes for people with support needs and retain and support dedicated frontline staff.

This year Starts at Home Day takes place 3rd September and in support we would like to share an inspiring story from OVH Independent Living Officer, Brian Churchill.

“A few months back, a customer was having a suspected heart attack at home. His wife called me from hospital in distress to tell me what was happening. In response I called for emergency services to attend the property and I also arranged for someone to open the door via a key safe. Thankfully, paramedics got there in time, and after spending a few weeks in hospital, he is now recovering well with a pacemaker at home. When I did see the customer eventually, he shook my hand and thanked me for my quick response telling me I had saved his life. It was a very humbling moment and I’m just glad he was ok. I told him it was all part of the service.”

Visit Starts at Home to find out more.