Housing support for vulnerable people

We can offer a range of support for vulnerable people who may need help living independently but do not need long-term personal care.

Our housing support team can help people or families who:

• are at risk of losing their home or becoming homeless again
• struggle to keep a home or maintain a tenancy due to a disability, illness, or addiction issues
• are a victim of domestic abuse.

This support can include:

• advice on managing your money, bills, and budget
• help with filling in forms, writing letters and making benefit claims
• help to improve your skills and access employment opportunities
• help to manage a tenancy
• assistance to contact people, services, and other bodies who can help you.

We offer a temporary support plan for up to 2 years, with a review every 6 months.  

If you need more support after this time, we’ll help you find long-term services.

We have other support available if you’re homeless now or will become homeless in the next 8 weeks.

You could get housing support if you’re over 16 years old and:

• are at risk of being homeless
• are disabled
• have chronic illness
• have learning difficulties
• have mental health issues
• have issues with drugs or alcohol
• are an ex-offender
• are fleeing domestic abuse.

Who cannot get housing support

We cannot help people with personal care needs, like dressing, washing, or preparing food.

We can assist you if you need any further information on accessing personal care. We can also arrange a care assessment on your behalf.

Alternatively, you can contact our adult services request team to make a care referral by phoning 0300 300 1380.

You do not have to pay for housing support if you receive housing benefit.  

Find out how you can apply for housing benefit.

You might be able to get financial help if you're not eligible for housing benefit, but you need to pay towards the cost of your support.

Download and fill in the housing support referral form.

Send your completed form to us by email to housingsupportreferral@renfrewshire.gov.uk.

We’ll assess your referral and allocate it to a housing support officer within 3 working days of receiving it.

The housing support officer will contact you within 3 working days of receiving the referral. They will agree a date and time to meet with you.

During this meeting, the officer will discuss your circumstances, past experiences, your current situation, and what you may need help with.  

We’ll agree a support plan with you within 2 working days of making first contact with you.

For more information about housing support, you can contact our housing support coordinator by:

• phone: 0300 300 0344
• email: housingadvice.hps@renfrewshire.gov.uk