This response from Barnardo's was prepared for the consultation on housing costs for short-term supported accommodation.
Barnardo’s runs a small number of supported housing projects. Many of these, such as our Bay6 project in Leyland, support young people (often those leaving care) towards independent living. We also work with families who need to access supported housing provided by others, for example to escape domestic abuse. These services work with very vulnerable young people and families to help prepare them for independent living. Support is provided on a range of issues, including budgeting and managing a tenancy as well as support for them to move on to more permanent accommodation when they are ready. Currently our services are funded through housing benefit with some services also receiving money from the local council from the supporting people fund. This response draws on the experience of our services in England and Scotland.