About Sitra South West
Sitra has had a regional office in the South West since 2001 and has a Policy Officer based in Bristol. We have over 120 members based in the region, ranging from small support providers to large housing associations and local authorities.
Along with our contribution to Sitra?s national role, we work on policy issues with members and partners in the South West, for example by participation in the South West Regional Provider Forum, Supporting People Regional Implementation Group and Regional Housing Strategy Vulnerable People Implementation Group (VPIG). Our services in the region include an ongoing programme of public training courses, seminars and other events around the region. We also deliver in-house training and consultancy services to members and other customers in the South West. For further information on any of our services, see our current Services Guide.
South West Access to Services survey
The South West Regional Provider Forum (RPF) and the South West Regional Implementation Group of Supporting People Managers (RIG) wished to share what was being learned from the introduction of various forms of single points of access to local authority funded housing support services. So that all participants felt free to share both negative and positive feedback, it was agreed that this survey should be conducted on the basis of anonymous responses. The initial information on what access arrangements are currently in place was provided by Supporting People teams to the RIG Co-ordinator. Sitra carried out the survey and analysis of the responses. The report on the survey findings and a summary of the current access arrangements in the region is here.
South West Supported Housing Month 2010
March 2010
Following on from last year’s success, South West Supported Housing Month 2010 is running throughout March. Last year service providers organised over 40 events in a very short space of time and now, with a little more time to prepare, we’re hoping for an even better result.
South West service providers and commissioners are urged to join forces to promote the important work they do. They’re organising events and inviting key stakeholders such as councillors, MPs and representatives from health and the police to find out more about their services and the people that use them. In the South West alone there are more than 2,800 supported housing and related services, benefiting nearly 103,000 people in the region.
Research shows every pound spent on Supporting People saves other public services £2.12. With tough public spending decisions ahead and the loss of the ring fence around funding, it’s more important than ever that service providers shout out about the impact they are having – not only in enabling people to achieve their potential and enjoy independent and fulfilled lives, but also in delivering against wider regional priorities. To get involved in the campaign, contact peterj@housing.org.uk
Resource pack
A resource pack to help plan the 2010 events was developed. It provides a useful guide to organising publicity campaigns and is available here:
Supported Housing Month Pack (pdf)
Editable versions of the templates, the current calendar of activities and information on how to add your event are available on the NHF website.
South West VPIG Small Providers Report
This report was commissioned by the South West Regional Housing Strategy Vulnerable People Implementation Group (VPIG) on the significance and impact of small providers of housing support services in the region. The study identifies for the first time the numbers, proportion and type of provision by small organisations in the South West and reviews the impact of current policy developments on such organisations. The study was carried out by Sitra with support from the SW RIG.
Click here to read the full report
Lessons Learned from Procurement - South West Survey Report
The South West Regional Provider Forum and Regional Implementation Group have worked together to review experiences of procurement of Supporting People funded services in the region. Both providers and commissioners took part in the survey so that common ground could be identified and learning from the experiences shared by all parties. The recommendations focus on issues of shared concern including timetables, accommodation and support links, transfers of services and TUPE, tender documentation and communication. Click here to download the report.
Consultancy in the South West
For more details on how Sitra West can help you with your consultancy requirements click here.
Sitra South West
