Supported Living FAQs

We are a leading national provider of support and care services for people with a range of needs, including physical disabilities, learning disabilities, mental health needs, vulnerable young people, and adults who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. We are part of the Sanctuary, one of the largest housing and care providers in England and Scotland.

Our mission is to provide high-quality support and care services that enable people to live as independently as possible and achieve their goals and aspirations. We operate a range of services, including supported housing, community support services, and specialist services for people with complex needs.  

Our retirement communities offer extra care accommodation, with onsite care, support and communal facilities, for people who are over 55 or who have long-term care needs, and our technology enabled living team specialise in providing assistive technology packages which enable people to live safely and independently. 

Yes, we are part of Sanctuary Group, which includes Sanctuary Housing, one of the UK's largest social housing providers, as well as Sanctuary Care. However, while these organisations are part of the same group, Sanctuary Supported Living operates as a separate entity with its own dedicated team and services.

Some properties can be applied for directly and others can only accept referrals from the local authority or other support agencies. Please see the ‘eligibility’ and ‘how to apply’ sections on the web page of any property you’re interested in, for more details.

We offer a range of care and support services tailored to the individual needs of each person we support. In our Care Quality Commission (CQC)-registered care homes and supported living properties, we provide personal care and manage medication, in addition to providing day-to-day support. In our non-CQC-registered services, our personalised support includes help with daily living skills and managing a tenancy, mental health support, advice around managing your finances, and assistance with finding employment and education opportunities.

Our team of experienced staff are trained to provide high-quality care and support, and we have policies and procedures in place to ensure your safety and well-being. We also regularly review your needs, in line with your agreed support plan, and we work with external agencies as appropriate, to ensure that you are receiving the right level of support. For more information about how we help you to keep safe in your new home, see our 'Managing your home' page.

Use our online search tool to find properties in your area. Alternatively, you can contact us, and our friendly customer service team will be able to advise whether we have a suitable property near you.

How much it costs to live in a supported living service will depend on the property and the amount of care and support you receive. You may be entitled to Housing benefit and benefits to cover elements of your care and support. Your social worker and our local team will be able to advise you on the cost when your application is being processed.

Our properties may be available furnished, part-furnished or unfurnished. Please see the service’s web page for more details. Even if furniture is provided in your new room or flat, we encourage you to bring your own belongings, to help you feel at home.

Yes, you can have visitors while living in one of our properties, although certain services may have specific local arrangements in place, due to individual risk assessment requirements. However, we ask that you respect the needs and privacy of other residents and ensure that visitors do not disrupt the safety and well-being of others.

We provide tailored support (with personal care, where appropriate) for people with physical disabilities, learning disabilities and complex needs, mental health needs, vulnerable young people and adults who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Our support is personalised to meet each person’s individual needs.

The frequency and level of support you receive will depend on the type of service you move into and your individual circumstances and needs.

Our staff will work with you to develop a personalised support plan that enables you to live as independently as possible, with the right level of support for your needs. This may include 24-hour care and support for people with more complex needs, including in our residential care homes, or lower-level support of just a few hours a week for people living in our housing management services. All needs will be assessed before any application is accepted.

Yes, we believe in empowering people to make their own choices and take control of their lives. We will work with you to develop a support plan that reflects your needs and preferences, and we will involve you in decisions about your care and support.

Our team will regularly review your support plan to ensure that it is meeting your needs. If your needs change and require more or less support, our team will work with you to adjust your support plan and provide the necessary support. If your current accommodation is no longer suitable for your increased or decreased needs, we will work with you to find an alternative step up or step down accommodation in the local area – this may be another Sanctuary property, or it may be in partnership with another local provider.

The length of your stay will depend on your individual circumstances and needs, as well as the type of service provided at your new home.

Some properties are short-term move-on services, where our staff support people to work towards moving on and living independently. Others are longer-term supported housing or care homes, where we aim to support residents to achieve their personal goals and aspirations, however big or small.

If you decide that you no longer want to live with us, our team will work with you, your family and any other support agencies, to make sure that you have the support and resources you need to make a smooth transition to your new living arrangements.

Depending on individual circumstances, we may also be able to offer floating support to you in your new home, if appropriate.