Championing supported housing to change more lives for the better

Karbon Homes builds, manages and looks after affordable homes for people across the North East and Yorkshire.

Some customers just need an affordable home or a way onto the property ladder. But others might need more support to live independently in a home that meets their needs, to overcome challenges, barriers and traumas, and ultimately to thrive within the four walls they call home.

There’s a strong link between social care and housing, but how crucial the success of the link isn’t always one that’s fully recognised or appreciated.

But what’s undeniable is the significant positive impact that good-quality supported housing can have on a person’s life.

Jon McDonald, Head of Supported Housing at Karbon Homes, tells us more about Karbon’s supported housing offer, the difference it’s making to residents across the North East and the work the organisation is doing to raise awareness of the social care opportunities with the housing sector.

“Access to quality supported housing provision can make all the difference when it comes to a residents’ health, wellbeing and sense of social connection.

“The specialist supported housing team at Karbon is dedicated to ensuring our customers have access to the help and support they need to feel safe and happy in their home and to thrive within their daily lives.

“Karbon offers support that’s tailored specifically to an individual’s needs, either working directly with residents or closely with a range of specialist support providers to help those with a variety of different needs. From improving mental wellbeing, living independently, overcoming addiction, fleeing domestic abuse to any other of life’s challenges.

“Take one of our service users Darren, who has lived with poor mental health and social anxiety for the majority of his adult life.

“A mental health spiral led him to working one-to-one with one of our support workers, Stephen, who has supported him with managing his mental health, gradually building his confidence and tackling any issues he might be facing.

“Or Maria, who lives in one of our extra care schemes for over 55s. Maria is registered blind and living independently has always been a challenge for her, a challenge that has greatened as she’s got older.

“Living somewhere where she feels truly safe and secure has been a blessing and the added element of care and support, should she need it, gives her that much-needed reassurance and confidence.

“And finally, there’s David who, after a serious accident that left him paralysed, needed a home that could be adapted to meet his needs. Our team worked with him and his partner Ashley, to transform the property with a range of major adaptations. Without them, David’s only option would be to remain in a care home.

“Supporting such a diverse range of residents to continue living independently, in a safe and secure environment, is incredibly rewarding and enjoyable work for the team. No two days are ever the same and the job role is so varied that they find themselves completing different tasks and learning new things every day.

“However, a career with a social housing provider is not always an option that new social care professionals have considered. That’s why we’ve partnered with Northumbria University to provide interested health and social care undergraduate students with a chance to explore the potential opportunities within supported housing.

“Within the placement, students will get a practical insight into the working of our multi-discipline team and will have a chance to see, first-hand, the difference our work makes to the residents we support.

“It is clear that good-quality supported housing has a vital role to play in changing people’s lives and providing a lifetime of independence. Unfortunately, due to a rise in demand and increased running costs, supported housing provision in the UK is stretched to the limit.

“With a mission to provide our customers and communities with the strong foundations they need to help them reach their full potential, Karbon is committed to continued investment in its supported housing provision.

“We’re also committed to boosting the profile of the supported housing sector as a whole and championing its achievements to ensure it gets the support it deserves.”

karbonhomes.co.uk