Exploring housing related support for vulnerable people in Dorset: a needs analysis for Dorset Supporting People Partnership.

Abstract

How do you ensure that as many of Dorset's residents as possible are able to access and benefit from services funded by the Supporting People programme, so that those living in Lyme Regis or Christchurch, for example, are able to have the same opportunities to have services that enable them to live more independently? Indeed, what types of services are needed to help people live independently? These are just two of the challenges that the authors of this report have had to consider, so that the Dorset Supporting People Partnership Board are better informed when considering decisions about commissioning services. In the context of finite resources it is inevitable that the authors have had to make judgements and offer recommendations that might lead to, and inform, difficult decisions regarding the future of current and new services. Behind such comments and recommendations, however, has been the intention to ensure that Dorset's diverse population groups are treated equally and fairly. Moreover, we have been aware of the need to ensure that the Dorset Supporting People Partnership Board receives value for money for those services, not least because this should lead to the commissioning of more services so that more of the population is better served. As authors, we have sometimes felt as if we have had to come to the type of decisions and recommendations that Solomon would have refused to make. Nevertheless we have always tried to ensure that our recommendations will improve the quality of life for those in need.