Stepping Stones

SERVE is working in partnership with Northamptonshire County Council, NHS Northampton Provider Services and Think Home First to provide temporary accommodation and support services to people who have been in either an acute or community hospital or a Specialist Care Centre and who are unable to return to their own home because of a change in their housing need.

The Stepping Stones service will provide a furnished, self- contained, one bed-roomed flat in Little Harrowden or Irchester, whilst their own property is being adapted or more suitable accommodation is obtained.

The two housing schemes share a Supported Living Officer during the day with emergency cover in the evenings and weekends. Serve provides practical support to residents (e.g. a weekly clean of the property). Personal care needs and daily living tasks are identified and arranged prior to discharge from the hospital by a Hospital Discharge Team, of which Serve is a member.

The Stepping Stones service recognises that customers are likely to already have housing costs in respect of their own homes. Stepping Stones will therefore fund accommodation, accommodation related costs such as council tax and utilities plus support costs during their stay. Where eligible, customers are expected to apply for Housing Benefit to help finance their stay.

The cost of the practical support provided by SERVE are also included within the Stepping Stones service and are not charged but customers will be expected to pay for day to day living expenses such as food, clothing and entertainment. Transport to and from Barringers Court or Meadowfields on discharge from hospital or transport home at the end of the customer`s stay, are also free, but transport provided by SERVE during the stay is chargeable.