North Lanarkshire Homes First Flexible Support

Descriptions

North Lanarkshire Council (the Council) wishes to enter into a Home’s First Flexible Support Service. The Council wishes to commission a partner provider with operational experience in delivering housing support services to households who have complex and multiple needs, who have been assessed by the Council as being vulnerable and at most risk from being or becoming homeless. The Councils Rapid Rehousing Plan states that ‘Housing First’ provides ordinary, settled housing as a first response for people with complex needs. This approach recognises a safe and secure home with open ended flexible support is the best base for recovery, including ending homelessness by offering choice and control. Housing First goes beyond traditional forms of supported accommodation and includes intensive wrap around support as appropriate which would be coordinated and delivered by the partner provider.The intensive support may include:— one to one service,— links, access and coordination of all support service user identifies as required for recovery,— arranging, accompanying and following up on meetings and appointments in support of needs,— regular support arrangements up to 24/7 if required.The list is not exhaustive as the scope and duration of the support provision will be determined by the needs of the service user with a goal of declining supports and transitioning into mainstream services where possible.As the design of the service will be to fit to that individuals support needs the market may not be able to fulfil the Council’s requirements as a sole provider. It is expected that they will rely on other services and should work together to form bids.The successful partner provider, along with other services within the bid, will set-up, operate, and manage a service that will, ‘seek to prevent homelessness occurring, prevent rough sleeping, minimise the effect of homelessness on individuals and their families (Service Users) and promote tenancy sustainment within the North Lanarkshire Council area’. This will increase and ensure collaboration with wider services such as Housing, Health and Social Care to achieve the best possible outcome for the service user.