Housing organisation RCT Homes has announced that its SAFE support service team has been awarded a contract to be sole provider of Housing Related Floating Support for Older People across Rhondda Cynon Taf.
The 3-year contract with Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council commenced on the 21st of September. It is the first time that this contract has been awarded to just one service provider and it will see the SAFE team offering support for people who have been identified by the council as requiring extra support in their homes.
SAFE stands for Support, Advice, Fulfilment and Empowerment. The service provides housing related support that enables older people, aged 55 plus, to live in their own homes and communities.
The focus of the support is to help them to achieve increasing levels of independence, participation, choice and control. The service was launched by RCT Homes in (insert date month) for its tenants. SAFE can provide around 1.5 hours support a week for up to 12 months and the level of support is tailored to the needs of the individual.
SAFE support workers can provide help with anything from health and general wellbeing to acquiring new skills including using computers and the internet. They also provide support with organising shopping, arranging delivery of meals and help with budget and income management. If required, they can also liaise with community care agencies, health professionals and other bodies on their behalf.
As a result of the contract, the current SAFE team of 12 support workers will triple to 36 as managers take on support workers and their clients from across the borough. The service is free and referrals are made through RCT Council’s Supporting People team
Angela Stacey, Head of Care and Support at RCT Homes said: “We are very excited to be awarded the contract by RCT council to provide this support service to older people in the borough. Our team of professional staff are able to offer targeted support, at the appropriate level, for people in their own homes, and this is a really effective way of delivering the service.
By being flexible with the support we offer we can offer help to those who may need short term support to cope with a change of circumstances, moderate term support to help get back on track, or dedicated support to those who are facing certain challenges. We look forward to widening our team to be able to deliver these services to those who need it.
Cllr Mike Forey, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Services, said: “This is a further example of us working innovatively with our partner agencies to provide the care and support older people need to live safely and independently in their own homes, which is a key priority for our social services work.
“The level of care and support needed by older residents varies greatly. For some it is information and signposting on services that can help, social opportunities and the chance to get involved. For others it is more practical assistance such as getting on the internet, helping paying bills and someone to act as an advocate for them. We welcome this new partnership with RCT Homes.”
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