Improving Supported Living Services Across Hertfordshire

Healthwatch Hertfordshire helped Hertfordshire County Council find out what people using supported living services wanted, so that their needs could be better met by providers. They spoke to 43 people.

Generally, people felt they were not always listened to and they did not have enough choice or involvement in exactly how they were supported.

• A number of participants said they would like to be more involved in decisions and the running of the service and the organisations providing support should create opportunities for this.
• People wanted more choice and control about where they lived. Important factors for accommodation were – being close to family, walking distance to shops and public transport, as well as getting along with other residents in shared facilities
• People wanted support to be consistent and flexible  – continuity of staff and routines, and consistency of care
• Being involved in decisions was important, but not always possible. People felt meetings between service users and support workers were crucial, as well as house meetings for residents in shared accommodation
• Information sharing - most participants were happy to share information with new providers if that would benefit or help them e.g. their disability and support needs.