Floating support service
The Hestia Floating Support Services can assist service users to live independently in their own accommodation. This support, depending on locality, is provided to people with a range of needs including HIV/AIDS, Physical Disabilities, Sensory Impairment, being an Ex-offender, having Mental Health issues, Drug/Alcohol problems, and being a Young Parent. The service can provide a range of practical and emotional housing related support including:
- Managing debts and paying bills
- Applying for housing and setting up a home
- Accessing community resources and specialist help
- Developing budgeting, cooking and living skills
- Finding educational course, training and employment
- Help with applying for benefits
- Looking after health and home
- Helping with neighbour disputes
- Developing constructive relationships with landlords
Support Workers visit service users, usually in their own home. The frequency of visits is agreed between the service user and Support Worker. The service is usually provided for a period of three months up to two years.
Floating Support Services are located in the London Boroughs of:
Barnet, Brent, Croydon, Ealing, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith & Fulham, Haringey, Harrow, Hounslow, Kingston upon Thames, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Newham, Kensington, Tower Hamlets and Wandsworth
Access to these services is through a referral from a housing case worker, social worker or nurse or by direct contact with the relevant Hestia Floating Support Team
“I can get help with my bills and managing my own money better, he (my support worker) helps me be more organised, attend appointments and reminds me about my medication"
Hounslow Floating Support service user
“I feel at least there is somebody there for me. I get support, advice and help with my baby. I have someone to talk to and help with my problems.”
Young Parents Floating Support scheme
“I can spend more time with my child. I also feel if I never had this service I would lose out on a lot of help that is unknown to young people. I also feel the system would give me a run around. I can confide in my support worker. If I ever have a problem I know who to turn to.”
Young Parent Floating Support service user
“Since the day she arrived, our support worker Kadine has been very professional and understanding. We are so glad that we found somebody who tried to do her best for us. We had been having serious problems with damp in the flat, and couldn’t get anything done. It is very bad for my illness and for the children. Kadine was able to put us in touch with the people who confirmed how serious the problem was, and is now helping us put our case to be rehoused and receive compensation. Kadine has really made our lives much better, always doing her job with drive and a high standard of commitment.”
Marco