FAQs

What is Supporting People?


Supporting People is a national government programme that funds housing related support services, to help vulnerable people live independently.

The Supporting People Team manages the programme in the London Borough of Barnet and is responsible for:

  • Paying other organisations to provide support
  • Making sure that the support services are as good as possible
  • Finding out what new services are needed.

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Who can receive Supporting People services?

Supporting People can help a wide range of vulnerable adults, for example:

  • Older people needing support at home
  • People with mental health issues
  • People with learning difficulties
  • People with a physical and/or sensory disability
  • People with HIV or AIDS
  • People with drug or alcohol problems
  • People at risk of domestic violence
  • Homeless families with support needs
  • Young people at risk of becoming homeless, turning to crime or misusing drugs or alcohol
  • Young people leaving the care of the local authority
  • Teenage parents
  • Ex-offenders at risk of re-offending
  • Travellers.

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How do I find a Supporting People service that meets my needs?

To find a service to meet your needs, please visit our Service Directory

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How long are Supporting People services provided for?

Support services can be categorised as short-term and long-term.

  • Short-term support is offered for up to two years.
  • Long-term support is offered continuously for at least two years.

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Is there a charge for the services?

Most people using Supporting People services have nothing to pay.

Services that offer short-term support for less than two years are free of charge.

Services that offer support for more than two years do make a charge, but you will not have to pay if you get Housing Benefit or if you qualify for a rebate.

For more information go to our charges section

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How can I access these Supporting People services?

There are now three information points to help people find out more about Supporting People services:

  • If you are aged over 60 years of age - phone 020 8347 2223
  • If you are a Barnet Council tenant - phone 0800 389 5225
  • For all other enquiries - phone 020 8343 6483
  • Typetalk 18001 020 8356 4264 (for Textphone users)
  • Email supportingpeopleteambarnet.gov.uk

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How do I contact the Supporting People Team?

For details about contacting the team, please see our contact us section

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How do I make a complaint about a Supporting People service?

We welcome feedback from anyone with an interest in Supporting People, including current or former users of Supporting People services, staff and organisations in contact with services.

Feedback could include:

  • Suggestions about how services could be improved
  • Comments about a particular service that worked well for you
  • Comments or questions about any of the information on this website.

We also welcome complaints - because they help us put problems right.

For more information, please see our Comments, Compliments and Complaints section

Is there a national Supporting people website?
The national Supporting People website gives you more information about Supporting People.  It lists all the services in Barnet as well as the rest of the country and tells you who to contact for more information about each service.
Website www.spkweb.org.uk

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