Specialist and Supported Housing Strategy 2023 to 2033

Gateshead Council has a strategic vision to 'make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives'. Our five challenges include:

• put people and families at the heart of everything we do
• tackle inequality so people have a fair chance
• support our communities to support themselves and each other
• invest in our economy to provide opportunities for employment, innovation and growth
• work together and fight for a better future for Gateshead

Having a range of high quality specialist and supported housing is an essential part of delivering these commitments. This Specialist and Supported Housing Strategy contributes to our overall vision and, together with other council strategies and plans, it is the framework through which our specialist and supported housing aims and delivery priorities are set out.

This strategy covers the council's approach to specialist, supported and accessible homes for

• older people
• people with learning disabilities and autistic people
• people with mental-health needs
• people at risk of homelessness, including people experiencing domestic abuse, young people (including 16-to-17-year-olds, care experienced young people, young parents), people with multiple and complex needs (including rough sleepers, offenders, people with drug or alcohol related needs), refugees, and veterans
• people with physical disabilities or long-term conditions

The council seeks to work with a range of partners to meet its specialist and supported housing objectives. The council will ensure that the best use is made of existing provision, enabling additional development and brokering strong relationships with providers, to ensure it is of a high quality and that it meets the needs of local people.

This strategy is aimed at:

• housing organisations that provide supported, specialist and mainstream housing, including those currently operating in Gateshead and those who may consider operating here
• support and care organisations that provide services in supported housing
• community organisations in Gateshead with an interest in specialist and supported housing