Housing support services for some of the most vulnerable people in York are evolving to reach new groups in line with the changing needs of the city.

Members of City of York Council's Housing and Adult Social Services Panel will be updated on the progress of the city's Supporting People Programme at a meeting later this month (16 July).

The government-funded programme provides housing related support to help vulnerable people maintain or improve their ability to live independently. The aims of the programme are:
- to reduce re-offending
- tackle disadvantage and social inclusion
- reduce and prevent homelessness
- reduce health inequalities
- reduce substance misuse
- increase choice for older people, people with disabilities or those with mental health conditions.

The scheme is delivered locally through a partnership between City of York Council, North Yorkshire and York Primary Care Trust and North Yorkshire Probation Service.

As part of a five year plan for the service (2005-2010), new services have been established to address the changing needs of the city. New additions have included an outreach service for women escaping domestic violence, a teenage parents support scheme, increased support for people with mental health needs and a skills development programme for rough sleepers.

It is hoped that new services will also be commissioned over the coming months to meet gaps in the present series, including support for people with drug problems, people with mental health needs, those with very complex needs and young people.

The changes are being brought in to bring the service in line with the city's Local Area Agreement priorities, against  backdrop of a reducing government grant (since the scheme's inception in 2003, York's grant has fallen from £9.4m to £8.2m in 2007/08).