An introduction from Val Page - Divisional Director of Signpost Care Partnerships.

Established in 1999, Signpost Care Partnerships provides intensive supported housing projects to many different vulnerable client groups, by providing a range of housing and support services.
Signpost Care Partnerships has developed a range of intensive supported housing management activities in respect of four client groups:-

• Adults with mental health needs
• Adults with learning difficulties
• Adults with physical disabilities
• Vulnerable young adults

The creation of Signpost Care Partnerships provides a new impetus to this important and challenging area of work. Development of Supported Housing has been one of Signpost's major success stories. The Company has a platform from which it will grow and continue to provide excellent services to current and new client groups.

Supported Housing Management involves multi agency working and frequent contact with tenants. Supported Housing Officers help tenants with developing their skills in maintaining the safety and security of their home and general support in claiming benefits, advice on employment, training opportunities, etc.

One of the many activities that we are involved in is the Assertive Outreach Housing Service (AOHS). This service was established in September 1998 within North Dorset and is based within the Community Mental Health Teams located in Blandford and Shaftesbury. The AOHS is based on a model founded in the US which seeks to provide a comprehensive range of treatment, rehabilitation and support services through a multi-disciplinary team within the community.

The partners in this service are Dorset Community NHS Service, Social Services, NDDC and Signpost Care Partnerships. The service won a NHS Beacon award for innovative practice.

The future holds a number of opportunities for Signpost Care Partnerships. We are developing accommodation and services for present and new client groups. In a new development in Bournemouth we are involving clients with learning difficulties in choosing services and items for their new homes. Signpost Care Partnerships believes that tenants should have a real say in the way services are delivered and in the design of new homes.