Freedom 2 Thrive: A Real Solution to the Supported Housing Crisis for People with Learning Disabilities and Autistic People in England

The housing crisis for people with learning disabilities and autistic people in England is well-documented. Research shows that only 23-25% of these individuals currently live in supported housing, with many still residing with family members, often elderly carers who may not be able to continue providing care in the long term. This situation is a ticking time bomb. As the demand for supported housing grows, it’s clear that innovative and sustainable solutions are urgently needed.

That’s where Freedom 2 Thrive comes in. At Freedom 2 Thrive, we are committed to helping people with learning disabilities and autistic individuals live full, independent lives. But we know that true independence starts with stable, supportive housing. Our work is crucial in tackling the housing challenges facing this community and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in a supportive, inclusive environment.

The Growing Crisis

The need for supported housing for people with learning disabilities and autism is set to grow dramatically in the coming years. By 2037, the population of adults with these needs is expected to increase by nearly 20,000, putting immense pressure on an already overstretched system. Currently, approximately 37% of people with learning disabilities and autism live with family members, often elderly carers. As these carers age, the demand for supported housing will inevitably increase, creating a potential housing crisis.

Research also shows that while the number of supported housing units in England is estimated to be between 35,500 and 38,500, many of these units are subject to long void periods, averaging 230 days. This inefficiency adds further strain to the system, leaving many individuals without suitable homes.

Freedom 2 Thrive: A Real Solution

At Freedom 2 Thrive, we believe that everyone deserves the chance to live independently, with the right support in place. We are leading the charge by offering real, scalable solutions to the housing crisis through our integrated approach to supported housing and care.

Here’s how we’re making a difference:

Providing Quality, Affordable Supported Housing

Supported housing is vital for allowing individuals with learning disabilities and autistic people to live independently, with the care and support they need to thrive. Freedom 2 Thrive ensures that the housing we support is not only accessible but tailored to the specific needs of individuals. We work closely with local authorities, housing providers, and stakeholders to create affordable housing solutions that meet the demand.

As the report suggests, 80% of supported housing is provided by Registered Providers of social housing. Freedom 2 Thrive partners with these providers to ensure housing meets regulatory standards and offers the quality of life our beneficiaries deserve.

Advocating for Sustainable Funding

One of the major issues facing the supported housing sector is the need for sustainable funding. The research shows that, since 2017, 86.5% of capital funding for new developments has come from private and non-public sources, while only a small portion has come from public bodies like NHS England and Homes England.

Freedom 2 Thrive is advocating for a more sustainable funding model that ensures long-term support for housing developments and care services. We work to raise awareness of the importance of adequate funding, not just for the construction of housing but for ongoing support services that help individuals maintain their independence.

Integrating Care and Support Services

Housing alone is not enough. Research shows that 75% of tenants in supported housing require at least 25+ hours of care and support each week, with 43% needing more than 100 hours. Freedom 2 Thrive integrates housing with robust support services, ensuring that residents receive the care they need to lead fulfilling lives.

We collaborate with local authorities, NHS commissioners, and social care providers to create a seamless support network for our residents. This approach not only ensures that individuals have a safe and comfortable place to live but also that they have the care and services necessary to thrive.

Empowering Tenants

At Freedom 2 Thrive, we believe in putting our residents at the heart of everything we do. We involve them in decision-making processes, ensuring that their voices are heard when it comes to their housing and care. This tenant-led approach is critical to building a sense of community and belonging, which research shows is essential for successful independent living.

Looking to the Future

As the population of people with learning disabilities and autism continues to grow, so does the need for innovative housing solutions. Freedom 2 Thrive is committed to not only meeting the immediate needs of this community but planning for the future. By working in collaboration with housing providers, local authorities, and other stakeholders, we aim to scale our services to ensure that no one is left without the housing and support they need.

We are also pushing for government policies that prioritise housing for people with disabilities and ensure that public funding is directed towards these vital developments. We believe that through strategic partnerships, sustainable funding models, and a focus on person-centred care, we can avert the looming housing crisis and provide lasting solutions.

Join Us in Making a Difference

The need for supported housing is clear, and the solutions are within reach. At Freedom 2 Thrive, we are not just responding to the crisis—we are actively working to prevent it by providing sustainable, high-quality housing and support for people with learning disabilities and autism.

Together, we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live with dignity, independence, and the support they need. Join us in creating a future where everyone can truly thrive.

Follow Freedom 2 Thrive on LinkedIn for updates on our projects and initiatives aimed at solving the supported housing crisis for people with learning disabilities and autistic people.

#SupportedHousing #LearningDisabilities #AutismSupport #InclusiveHousing #Freedom2Thrive #HousingCrisis #SocialCare

Holistic Accessibility
Our vision extends beyond physical accessibility to encompass a holistic approach. Inclusive design should not only eliminate barriers but proactively consider the diverse needs of individuals, including those with varying abilities, ensuring that every aspect of public and private spaces caters to everyone.

Cultural Competence
True inclusion embraces cultural competence, going beyond tolerance to foster genuine understanding and appreciation for diverse perspectives. In our vision, communities actively engage in cross-cultural dialogue, breaking down stereotypes and building bridges of understanding.

Educational Empowerment
Our vision for inclusive education goes beyond mere integration; it strives to empower every learner. Curricula should reflect diverse voices, and teaching methods should cater to varied learning styles, ensuring that education is a transformative and inclusive experience for all.

Equal Opportunities in the Workplace

The future of inclusion envisions workplaces that promote diversity and actively dismantle systemic barriers. In our vision, professional environments provide equal opportunities for career advancement, regardless of background, and accommodate the unique needs of every employee.

Community Collaboration

In our inclusive vision, communities are active collaborators in shaping their destiny. Decision-making processes involve diverse voices, ensuring that policies and initiatives reflect the needs and aspirations of the entire community.

As we navigate the current landscape of inclusion guidelines, it is imperative to acknowledge progress while aspiring for more. Our vision encompasses a society where inclusion is not a set of rules to follow but a collective commitment to embracing diversity, fostering understanding, and ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

By continually challenging and expanding our current guidelines, we move closer to a future where inclusion is not an obligation but an inherent and celebrated part of our societal ethos.

The Urgent Need for Proactive Solutions in the Care Sector Amidst New Immigration Policies

As a parent of a wonderful child who is currently thriving at Priors Court in Newbury, a residential school staffed with highly trained autism professionals, I am intimately familiar with the critical importance of specialised care. My son, who grapples with anxiety and sensory needs, benefits immensely from the expertise and compassion of these professionals who understand the complexities of his condition. This personal experience fuels my deep concern regarding the future of the care sector, especially in light of recent immigration policy changes in the UK.

The care profession is not just a job; it is a calling. It requires individuals who genuinely care about their work and choose this path not out of necessity due to unemployment, but because of a true desire to make a difference. This is a complex, highly skilled profession that demands the right people with the right skills and the right heart. Without this, we risk a care sector filled with mismatched abilities and intentions, leading to potential horror stories of abuse and neglect. The thought of having individuals who view this critical role as merely a job, without any passion or understanding, is a grave concern for any parent, especially those with children who have special needs.

But in light of the recent stringent immigration policies announced by the UK government, a pressing question arises:

Why not first implement robust strategies to train and incentivise more individuals to enter the care industry before enforcing such severe measures?

The care sector, particularly for those with special needs, demands an extraordinary level of mental and physical dedication. For many care workers, especially those coming from abroad, the presence and support of their families are not just a comfort but a necessity. It helps them navigate the challenges of their demanding roles. Yet, the new policy changes, including preventing overseas care workers from bringing their dependants and significantly increasing salary thresholds, seem to overlook these crucial aspects.

The Current Predicament for Caseworkers from Abroad

• The government’s policy to cut down on dependants of overseas workers could lead to a substantial decrease in the care workforce.
• The steep increase in salary thresholds for overseas workers may deter many potential caregivers from considering the UK as a viable option.

Potential Implications for Companies and the Care Sector

• The lack of sufficient and adequately supported care staff could lead to a decline in the quality of care for those with special needs.
• Care organisations may face financial strains due to the increased costs associated with recruiting and retaining skilled workers under these new constraints.

What we need is a forward-thinking approach before implementing such restrictive measures, wouldn’t a more sustainable approach involve:

• Developing comprehensive training programs to attract and prepare more domestic workers for roles in the care sector?
• Creating incentives and support systems to encourage participation in this critical field?
• Ensuring that current and potential workers, especially those from overseas, have the family support necessary to maintain their well-being and effectiveness in their roles?

As a community, we must advocate for policies that not only address immediate concerns but also lay a foundation for a robust and resilient care sector. It’s imperative to engage with policymakers to highlight the need for proactive workforce development strategies in the care sector. Support initiatives that provide training and incentives for individuals entering the care profession. And foster collaborative efforts between care providers, families, and the government to ensure sustainable and compassionate care for those with special needs.

Let us unite in calling for a balanced and foresighted approach to immigration and workforce policies, ensuring that we continue to provide the highest standard of care for our most vulnerable.

I am honoured to collaborate with Anna Kennedy Online (www.annakennedyonline.com) in elevating awareness around this critical issue. As a co-founder of Freedom 2 Thrive (www.freedom2thrive.co.uk), we are committed to tirelessly advocating for fairness and justice.

Top of Form

#CareSectorCrisis #ImmigrationReform #HealthcareWorkforce #SpecialNeedsAdvocacy #SupportOurCarers

Mental health is universal, touching lives across the globe. Statistics reveal that more than 1 in 10 individuals worldwide will face a mental health challenge at some point in their lives. For those with severe or profound intellectual disabilities, the odds are higher, affecting more than 1 in 4. These individuals, reliant on others for their every need, face heightened risks of trauma, pain, loss, and abuse, all while being unable to vocalize their need for help.

At Nurturing Affective Care (NAC), we recognize the silent struggles faced by this community. Families yearn for the world to understand that limited verbal expression doesn’t equate to a lack of feeling and emotion. Yet, this crucial fact often goes unnoticed, leaving mental health needs unaddressed.

Caring for those who communicate through facial expressions, movements, and behaviours demands skill and understanding. That’s precisely why NAC exists — to collaborate with families, offering knowledge, information, training, and support.

A Voice from Our Community: ‘It can’t be overstated how reassuring it is to find expertise as a family member. I’m so delighted to have found NAC.’ (Parent Carer)

Empowering families and caregivers with the resources they need results in flourishing and thriving lives. As a society, we stand to gain immeasurable gifts from individuals with severe and profound intellectual disabilities — a deep connection, presence, and appreciation. As one parent beautifully stated, ‘teaching us the power of compassion, humility, and humanity’.

NAC’s Mission: NAC operates as a registered Community Interest Company (CIC), not-for-profit, from the UK, with a global reach. Our vision is clear — to ensure the emotional and mental health needs of children and adults with severe and profound intellectual disabilities are not just recognized but properly cared for.

We provide guidance on safe, natural approaches to create emotionally enriching experiences. Everything we do is suitable for those who communicate without words, informed by evidence and our values. NAC offers training and support on emotional and mental wellbeing through face-to-face or online workshops, support sessions, courses, and hands-on experiential coaching.

In the past century, mental health approaches predominantly relied on medication and talking therapies, often inappropriate or inaccessible for those with severe and profound intellectual disabilities. However, a paradigm shift is underway, with a growing understanding of the mind-body link and the therapeutic potential of body-oriented, sensory-based approaches.

NAC’s Contributions: NAC curates accessible guidance on wellbeing experiences for individuals with severe and profound intellectual disabilities. These experiences, categorized under Arts and Creativity, Interactions and Relationships, Mindfulness, Movement, Music, Nature, Sensory, and Touch, don’t require specialized equipment and are designed for easy implementation by caregivers, parents, and educators.

Connect with Us: For more information, free ‘how to’ guides, and training, visit www.nacwellbeing.org or contact julie@nacwellbeing.org.

Follow us on social media:

Instagram: @nacwellbeing

LinkedIn: NAC Wellbeing

As the dialogue around economic and social growth gains momentum, it is crucial to consider those often overlooked—families in the care system. The intricate dynamics of care systems across the country reveal families needing multi-faceted support. A holistic approach can uplift these families and serve as an invaluable asset for the nation’s economic and social fabric.

The Current Landscape
Families in the care system often find themselves grappling with a multitude of challenges ranging from poverty and unemployment to mental health issues and educational gaps. Existing in a somewhat invisible corner of society, these families may not immediately come to mind when discussions about economic progress or social betterment occur. However, the reality is that any country’s social and economic growth is intrinsically linked with the well-being of its citizens, including these vulnerable families.

A Multi-dimensional Approach
Education
The foundation of economic participation starts with education. However, the families in the care system often lack the resources or support for quality educational opportunities. Partnerships between the public and private sectors can facilitate better educational programmes for children and adults alike. This can include scholarship schemes, vocational training, and adult education classes to improve job prospects.

Employment
Unemployment is often high among families in the care system. A lack of appropriate skills and work experience contributes to this cycle. Companies can play a proactive role by offering apprenticeships and job placements explicitly targeted at these families. The government can chip in by providing tax incentives to corporations supporting this initiative.

Mental and Physical Well-being
More than financial and employment support is required. Health services, particularly mental health services, are equally essential. Early interventions can help identify and treat conditions that might otherwise lead to a cycle of dependency on the care system. Public health programmes and clinics need to be readily accessible to these families.

Community Involvement
Involving families from the care system in community events and decision-making processes can be empowering. This promotes social cohesion and allows them to become active contributors to society. Local councils should make it a point to include representatives from these families in community planning and projects.

The Ripple Effect
When families in the care system are provided with the necessary resources and opportunities, the benefits reverberate throughout society. Not only do these families break the cycle of poverty and dependency, but they also become contributors to economic activity and social well-being.

Policy Recommendations
Targeted Social Welfare: Conditional cash transfers to families in the care system contingent upon school attendance or preventive healthcare check-ups.

Inclusive Hiring: Encourage corporations to adopt inclusive hiring practices through tax breaks and other incentives.
Public-Private Partnerships: Leverage these partnerships for vocational training and job placement programmes.
Accessible Healthcare: Establish easily accessible clinics focusing on preventive care and mental health services.
Community Participation: Reserve seats for representatives of families in the care system on local councils and boards.

Conclusion
For a society to thrive, its economic and social growth must be inclusive. By consciously integrating policies and programmes that consider the well-being of families in the care system, we can build a future where no one is left behind. Let’s move beyond mere discussions and take meaningful actions to ensure these families become active contributors and beneficiaries of the nation’s growth.

By F2 Thrive
Empowering Families, Building Futures

McLuhan, A., Hahmann, T., Mejia-Lancheros, C., Hamilton-Wright, S., Tacchini, G., & Matheson, F. (2023). Finding help and hope in a peer-led reentry service hub near a detention centre: A process evaluation. PLoS One, 18(2), e0281760.

As a parent of a wonderful child who is currently thriving at Priors Court in Newbury, a residential school staffed with highly trained autism professionals, I am intimately familiar with the critical importance of specialised care. My son, who grapples with anxiety and sensory needs, benefits immensely from the expertise and compassion of these professionals who understand the complexities of his condition. This personal experience fuels my deep concern regarding the future of the care sector, especially in light of recent immigration policy changes in the UK.

The care profession is not just a job; it is a calling. It requires individuals who genuinely care about their work and choose this path not out of necessity due to unemployment, but because of a true desire to make a difference. This is a complex, highly skilled profession that demands the right people with the right skills and the right heart. Without this, we risk a care sector filled with mismatched abilities and intentions, leading to potential horror stories of abuse and neglect. The thought of having individuals who view this critical role as merely a job, without any passion or understanding, is a grave concern for any parent, especially those with children who have special needs.

But in light of the recent stringent immigration policies announced by the UK government, a pressing question arises:

Why not first implement robust strategies to train and incentivise more individuals to enter the care industry before enforcing such severe measures?

The care sector, particularly for those with special needs, demands an extraordinary level of mental and physical dedication. For many care workers, especially those coming from abroad, the presence and support of their families are not just a comfort but a necessity. It helps them navigate the challenges of their demanding roles. Yet, the new policy changes, including preventing overseas care workers from bringing their dependants and significantly increasing salary thresholds, seem to overlook these crucial aspects.

The Current Predicament for Caseworkers from Abroad

• The government’s policy to cut down on dependants of overseas workers could lead to a substantial decrease in the care workforce.
• The steep increase in salary thresholds for overseas workers may deter many potential caregivers from considering the UK as a viable option.

Potential Implications for Companies and the Care Sector

• The lack of sufficient and adequately supported care staff could lead to a decline in the quality of care for those with special needs.
• Care organisations may face financial strains due to the increased costs associated with recruiting and retaining skilled workers under these new constraints.

What we need is a forward-thinking approach before implementing such restrictive measures, wouldn’t a more sustainable approach involve:

• Developing comprehensive training programs to attract and prepare more domestic workers for roles in the care sector?
• Creating incentives and support systems to encourage participation in this critical field?
• Ensuring that current and potential workers, especially those from overseas, have the family support necessary to maintain their well-being and effectiveness in their roles?

As a community, we must advocate for policies that not only address immediate concerns but also lay a foundation for a robust and resilient care sector. It’s imperative to engage with policymakers to highlight the need for proactive workforce development strategies in the care sector. Support initiatives that provide training and incentives for individuals entering the care profession. And foster collaborative efforts between care providers, families, and the government to ensure sustainable and compassionate care for those with special needs.

Let us unite in calling for a balanced and foresighted approach to immigration and workforce policies, ensuring that we continue to provide the highest standard of care for our most vulnerable.

I am honoured to collaborate with Anna Kennedy Online (www.annakennedyonline.com) in elevating awareness around this critical issue. As a co-founder of Freedom 2 Thrive (www.freedom2thrive.co.uk), we are committed to tirelessly advocating for fairness and justice.

Top of Form

#CareSectorCrisis #ImmigrationReform #HealthcareWorkforce #SpecialNeedsAdvocacy #SupportOurCarers

“Living with a child who has unique challenges is a journey through a landscape of hopes and fears. Each day brings its own triumphs and trials, reminding me that progress is not a straight path, but a series of highs and lows.

My greatest hope for my son, and for all children like him, is that society will finally recognise their irreplaceable worth. My fear is that we might fall short in providing them the opportunities they deserve.

Yet, in the space between these hopes and fears, we find our purpose, pushing us to advocate, educate, and love unconditionally. For in that space, we not only seek a better world for our children, but they inspire us to become better human beings ourselves.”

Tally Nothey