Response used the process of tendering for new services to develop greater clarity about the focus for each of our services. It enabled us to be clearer about the provision of housing related support to be funded by the commissioners under the Supported to Independent Living (SIL) pathway and the need many residents have for domiciliary care services and the provision of practical support with domestic tasks. Personal budget funding for these services is available and Response has been developing expertise in these areas so that they become the provider of choice.
Response holds the new contract for all the Intensive Support services. These 24 hour services have a focus on recovery and preparing residents to move on to a more independent setting within 2 years, if at all practical. Response has introduced the use of the Mental Health Recovery Star to facilitate this. It is an outcome focused method of involving residents in assessing their own support needs and associated risks and agreeing a support plan to meet their objectives.
Response, in partnership with Mind, now has the responsibility for providing the Transitional housing services throughout the county. These are largely used as the next stage of recovery after Intensive services, with an expectation that most residents will be preparing to live in independent housing. The Mental Health Recovery Star is used in all these services. Response has specific responsibility for transitional units in Cherwell district and for 20 units in the City. The Mind Response Housing Pathway Project, which has been in operation since November 2010, has been facilitating the take up of tenancies – both in social housing and private rented accommodation and will continue to work closely with transitional services.
Response also holds the contract for longer term services for people who need ongoing support to maintain maximum independence but who are unlikely to move to independent housing. Services are available to help maintain a healthy lifestyle e.g. residents can purchase cooked meals or a laundry service, although encouraging residents to develop their own skills would be the preferred option. Demand consistently outstrips supply for longer term services.
