Kernow Positive Support (KPS) has recently appointed a Housing Related Support Officer from funding awarded to us from The Cornwall Supporting Team, This new and exciting development post will be working from our newly established Resource Centre in Truro. Anthony will cover the whole of Cornwall in this community outreach project.

Housing Related Support The confidential and empathetic provision of housing needs and related support services for vulnerable people living with HIV and AIDS which achieves the objective of improving or maintaining independence. The service is intended to provide specialist support particularly in times of crisis. To enable people to assess their independent living/life skills and to develop necessary skills through the provision of advocacy or referral for suitable training and support.

Effective liaison with social landlords, homelessness services, Department of Adult Social Care, Children's Services, Health Services, Youth Offending Team, National Offender Management Service and other statutory and voluntary organisations who may be a source of referrals or provide other services to service users. KPS will provide a support assessment to all those enquiring/accessing this service and priority will be given as appropriate.

Housing law & rights Advice and advocacy on homelessness legislation, local authority and other landlord lettings policies, tenant/landlord law, communal property rights, anti social behaviour action and processes for seeking possession and eviction.

Practical support Support with DWP benefits, in particular housing benefit, Income Support and JSA, DLA, and related premiums. Assisting people to access Social Fund and other grants and loans, affordable furniture and the provision of adequate support in moving and resettlement.

Other advice & advocacy Support with money advice and debt management assistance. Support and assistance in negotiating with utilities, landlord and private companies to manage personal debts.

Service standard This new service provides floating support to individuals or households requiring support because they are vulnerable and have a support need in relation to living with HIV.

Those eligible to receive the service will be people who are living with HIV and have support needs, are homeless and/or at risk of losing their home, are moving on from supported housing or a family home to independent living, and are unlikely to sustain their independence without support. KPS have the necessary knowledge, skills and experience of housing-related support and of working with people living with HIV.

other information & help

We have included additional links and information that may be of some help regarding housing and associated issues below:

Cornwall Supporting People Team Old County Hall, Truro, Cornwall TR1 3AY

Tel: 01872 323978Fax: 0117 941 5189
Fax: 0117 941 5189
e-mail: spteam@cornwall.gov.uk
Website: www.cornwall.gov.uk

The Supporting People programme offers vulnerable people the opportunity to improve their quality of life by providing a stable environment which enables greater independence.

It will deliver high quality and strategically planned housing-related services which are cost effective and reliable, and complement existing care services. The planning and development of services will be needs led. Supporting People is a working partnership of local government, service users and support agencies.

Brigstowe Project
176 Easton Road,
Easton,
Bristol, BS5 0ES
Tel: 0117 941 5188
Fax: 0117 941 5189
e-mail: info@brigstowe.org
Website: www.brigstowe.org
Westaids Website: www.westaids.info

This organisation is based in Bristol. However. they specialise in housing advice for people infected/affected by HIV and related issues, and are willing to give advice to anyone who calls irrespective of the area in which they live. Click on their logo above to find out more about them.

Devon & Cornwall Housing Association

East Cornwall Office
5 Heathlands Business Park,
Heathlands Road,
Liskeard PL14 4DH
Tel: 01579 340404
Fax: 01579 340789
Contact: www.dcha.co.uk/contact.php
Website: www.dcha.co.uk

YMCA Cornwall
International House
The Orchard
AlvertonStreet
Penzance
TR18 4TE
Tel: 01736 365016
Fax: 01736 334823
Housing Advice Line: 01736 334825
e-mail: admin@cornwall.ymca.org.uk
Website: www.cornwall.ymca.org.uk