A new floating support service designed to help people at risk of losing their independence in Hounslow is now accepting general referrals, having previously accepted referrals solely from social workers since its launch on 15 January.
Published: Friday, 1st March 2024
Floating support involves a named keyworker building a relationship with a vulnerable resident that will help them to learn to live an independent life. Its aim is to help people avoid hospital admissions, having to rely on social care services, or end up in the criminal justice system.
Run by London-based charity Thames Reach, the Hounslow Reach service is available to all Hounslow residents aged 18 and over who are vulnerable because they have additional needs, such as mental or physical health conditions or a learning disability.
London Borough of Hounslow commissioned Thames Reach to run this service after a competitive tendering process.
You can find out if the service could help you by contacting the Targeted Support Team within Community Solutions at FSTargetedSupport@hounslow.gov.uk or calling 020 8583 2211. The team will get in touch with you to understand the support you need. People can also visit Hounslow Reach to find out more about the service at Hounslow’s Community Hubs at the following times:
- Mondays 10am – 1pm: Hounslow House, Ground floor, TW3 3EB
- Tuesdays 2pm – 5pm: Feltham Assembly Hall, Hounslow Road, TW14 9DN
- Thursdays 1pm – 4pm: Feltham Library, High Street, TW13 4GU.
Bill Tidnam, Chief Executive at Thames Reach, said: “At Thames Reach, we are very conscious of the vital role that floating support can play in helping people fulfil their potential to live independent lives and participate fully in society. We are grateful to Hounslow for giving us the opportunity to bring our 25 years of experience in this work to the borough and we look forward to working with local communities to build a service that meets their needs.
Councillor Samia Chaudhary, Hounslow Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Transformation, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Thames Reach to our family of commissioned services in Hounslow. To have such a fantastic organisation offering support to Hounslow residents fills me with confidence that first-rate support will be available to anyone who needs it.
“The team is already doing fantastic work across the borough and I look forward to working with them further on the excellent Hounslow Reach project. Their presence will make such a difference to our most vulnerable residents’ wellbeing.”