STEPS to stay independent
Who do we help?
The STEPS service offers a short term, housing support service to people aged 65 and over who live in the East Sussex area.
STEPS can visit you at home and help you work out what support you personally need to keep living independently.
About the service
Our service offers a wide range of support, tailored to what you need.
You may need housing support from STEPS if you are finding it difficult to live independently, if you are living in a property that isn’t suitable for you, you are at risk of losing your home or have rent or mortgage arrears or other money or debt issues.
We can support you regardless of what kind of accommodation you live in and our support workers can come and visit you in your own home.
We can support you to:
- Claim any welfare benefits you are entitled to
- Liaise with your landlord or mortgage company
- Understand your tenancy or mortgage arrangement
- Find more suitable accommodation
- Set up or change utility suppliers
- Take part in healthy living activities
- Obtain specialist debt advice
- Find out about local groups or activities in your area
- Ensure your home is safe
- Resolve disputes or other issues with your neighbours
What next?
You will not have to pay anything for this service as it is paid for by the Supporting People Team at East Sussex County Council.
STEPS is available to anyone age 65 or over living in East Sussex. In the Hastings and Rother area the service is run by In Touch while in Eastbourne, Lewes and Wealden the service is run by Eastbourne Homes.
If you feel that you would benefit from this kind of service you can apply directly by contacting:
For Eastbourne, Lewes and Wealden contact:
Telephone: 01323 436 414
Text: 07970 668 106
Email: referrals@stepswest.co.uk
For Hastings and Rother contact:
Telephone: 0300 123 2422 (local rate)
Text: 07944 140 016
Email: referrals@stepseast.co.uk
If you would like to have a chat about this service or find out any information about what we do or how to apply please contact:
Service Manager
Tel: 0207 0893267
Sheltered Housing Services
Who do we help?
Our Sheltered Housing offers support and accommodation to older people in the East Sussex and Brighton and Hove areas.
The services are generally available to people over the age of 55 and can be accessed through the local Choice Based Lettings scheme. We aim to help people to maintain their ability to live as independently as possible.
About the schemes
Our Sheltered Housing Schemes generally consist of self contained one or two bedroom flats along with some communal areas such as a lounge, laundry room, computer room and quiet room along with an on site office.
Some people may have their own care package arranged with Social Services in addition to the support that we are able to provide. If this extra support is needed referrals can be made by the on site staff member.
Residents can contact in touch on site office Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.00pm to receive extra advice or support. Outside these times there is a Carelink Community Alarm service which provides 24 emergency support.
We also maintain good links with specialist services in the area such as Community Nurses, chiropodists, district nurses, occupational therapist’s, Older People’s Community Assessment Team, Carelink, Community Mental Health Service and the Substance Misuse Team in order in order to provide extra, more specialist support.
Part of the support that is provided at these schemes includes the regular completion of an Independence Plan based on how the client feels and what areas they would like support with.
What next?
If you receive Housing Benefit or Pension Credit the support received from in touch will not cost you anything as it is paid for by the Supporting People Team at your local Council.
If you would like to have a chat about this service or find out any information about what we do or how to apply please contact:
Sam Hyson
Sussex Administrator
Tel. 01273 234 706
Marlborough House
Who do we help?
Marlborough House is a specialist extra care scheme which offers care, support and accommodation to older people in the Hastings and St.Leonards areas.
This service support adults over the age of 55 with care and support needs to maintain their ability to live as independently as possible.
About the scheme
Marlborough House is a long term service consisting of 40 one or two bedroom self contained flats. There are several communal areas including lounges, a laundry room, computer room, quiet room and on site office. The second floor is also open to the community and includes a lounge, café, hair salon and resource room.
Marlborough provides various levels of support depending on what service users need. in touch provides support to all residents at the scheme but can also arrange extra support or care if required. If this extra support is needed referrals can be made by on site staff members and will be provided by Allied Healthcare.
Along with the on site office, the scheme is staffed 24 hours a day so that residents are able to access support at any time should they need it.
We also maintain good links with specialist services in the area such as Social Services in order to provide extra, more specialist support.
Part of the support that is provided at this scheme will include the regular completion of your own Independence Plans with your key worker based on how you feel and what areas you would like support with.
If you receive Housing Benefit or Pension Credit the support received from in touch will not cost you anything as it is paid for by the Supporting People Team at East Sussex County Council.
What next?
If you would like to have a chat about this service or find out any information about what we do or how to apply please contact:
Janice Easton
Project Manager
Tel. 01424 713478