6 November 2002
BROWNE PLEDGES HOUSING SUPPORT FOR VULNERABLE PEOPLE
Vulnerable people deserve back-up housing services to enable them to live full and independent lives as equal members of the community, Des Browne, MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Northern Ireland Office, said today.
The Minister, who has responsibility for Social Development, was speaking at the Supporting People Conference at the Ramada Hotel in Belfast. Charting out a new path for helping disadvantaged people in their homes, he said:
"It is my intention to press ahead with legislation to set up a Supporting People Fund in Northern Ireland. This will help improve the lives of people currently living at the margins of society. These include those who are socially excluded and those whose circumstances leave them with little hope.
"For example, we could be talking about a wife fleeing domestic violence or a teenage drug abuser. Or, perhaps, a homeless alcoholic or a frail elderly person afraid to open their front door in case they are mugged or burgled. These are people who are deprived of the housing security that the rest of us take for granted.
"There is no greater aspiration than the desire to live an independent life in the community. The establishment of a single fund will consolidate existing funding streams and thereby remove the disadvantages that these presently create."
The Minister praised the work of the Housing Executive, Housing Associations and voluntary groups who contributed much time and effort in helping to work towards the new system of support. He said; "If ever there was an example of government, agency and voluntary organisations working together to a common goal, this has to be it."
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Support comes in many different forms. The most common is that provided by wardens in sheltered accommodation or support provided in homeless hostels. It may be something practical like helping a person to set up and maintain a home. It might be helping a person to develop domestic and practical skills to enable them to live more independently or simply giving them advice on issues such as financial management. It could equally be something personal like helping to develop social skills, giving emotional support and advice or simply befriending someone who is lonely. Or it may be aimed at ensuring that vulnerable people feel safe in their homes by giving help in establishing personal safety and security or providing community alarms.
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