Helping those who need it most
Vulnerable people in Warwickshire are getting a “better deal” says an independent watchdog in a report launched today.
The Audit Commission’s report says the council has responded “positively” to the challenges of supporting its people who face life’s toughest knocks.
Adults facing some of the worst hardships life can throw at them are receiving a better deal in Warwickshire according to independent experts.
Everyone from older people, to women who have suffered domestic violence, through to adults looking for help in dealing with debt or drug issues are now getting an improved level of service according to the Audit Commission.
Thanks to the work of Warwickshire County Council’s Supporting People programme the help is reaching the people who need it most.
For example, Peter, aged 58, has been battling with a drug dependency for most of his adult life, and after a marriage breakdown became homeless for almost two years. Thanks to work with him he is now able to claim benefit, is working with the drug team for counselling and support, is tackling his debts, and with help from the Supporting People team could be in sheltered housing soon.
Jamie is just 17-years-old and after a breakdown in relationships at home ended up being ‘street’ homeless, and housed by his local authority in a B and B. He had major confidence and self-esteem issues and thanks to Supporting People is receiving the counselling he needs. Jamie is now volunteering his time in a work experience programme and is looking forward to a future where he can live independently.
These are just a couple of examples of the work of Supporting People in Warwickshire, which has won them praise in the recent Audit Commission inspection.
The commission described Warwickshire as having a ‘positive response’ to the challenges, offering a ‘fair’ service, with ‘promising prospects’ for improvement.
Thanks to the work of the team in Supporting People have received a star rating with positive praise and encouraging comments that things are still improving.
Deborah Good the Audit Commissions lead housing officer said: “It’s good to see the progress that has been made.” And she went on to praise the council for “responding positively to the findings of the last inspection.”
Improvements highlighted by the report include:
Users of the Supporting People services being involved in the programme and are provided with a wide range of information
Relationships between all partners and stakeholders involved have been strengthened, notably those involved in health or social care
Poorly performing services have been helped to improve
Services are helping people deal with issues such as managing debt
Leader of Warwickshire County Council, Cllr Alan Farnell, was delighted with the progress made by the service, echoing the sentiments of the Audit Commission by saying: “This has demonstrated some real progress by the Supporting People team. I would lie to extend my thanks to everyone across the county council involved in supporting the inspection process and in particular, the Supporting People team whose commitment and enthusiasm so impressed the inspectors.”