SUPPORTING FUTURES

Supporting Futures is a Floating Support agency offering support and guidance for many people who have certain vulnerabilities and need help to enable them to move toward a positive lifestyle and encourage independence

We are known as a Housing Support Service, governed by  Supporting People via Gloucestershire County Council.   We specialise in support for those with Drug and Alcohol problems (80%) and general support (20%) for individuals, couples and families.

ACCESSABILITY

In many cases we are able to visit you in your own home, however, if this is not possible or inappropriate, venues may be suggested in Newent, Coleford, Cinderford or Lydney. (all with disability access)  You can telephone us on 01594 827648, although we are a floating support service and work in the community, someone attends the office daily to pick up telephone calls from our answermachine.  As of October 2007 you can also look at our website WWW.Supportingfutures.com and also leave messages there.

WHAT TO EXPECT
After an initial discussion with you about the way in which we work and our levels of confidentiality, an assessment will be made regarding the amount of time you feel you need and how much we can support.
DEBT & FINANCIAL CONCERNS:
We are able to address various problems you may have regarding your day to day finances and debt management.
SUPPORT WORK:
Often, more practical help is required.  You can expect to work closely with support workers and  this may include advocacy and sign-posting for help with housing issues, employment, training, careers support as well as benefit and mediation interactions.  Health and family issues are also high on our agenda.  We will give you names addresses and telephone numbers of where to get the help you need.

LISTENING & LIFE SKILLS SUPPORT:
For some people, having someone to listen to them can be very helpful.  All of our staff are  qualified in NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) Skilled Listening is a very important part of our work.

SERVICE USER GROUP:
We have a Service Users Group from time to time, where clients are welcome to join us for a cup of tea or coffee and give their views on how they would like to see the service run.  It is also an opportunity to meet others and give and receive peer support (The Group has a code of respect & boundaries about confidentiality, times and smoking).
POLICIES:
All of our policies and procedures, including Risk Assessments, Complaints Procedures and Protection from Abuse are made available to service users and all linked agencies upon request.