Supported housing is a vital but often overlooked part of our national housing system. At Abri, we believe everyone deserves not just a roof over their head, but a home that’s safe, stable and supportive – and we’re proud to stand behind the National Housing Federation’s #SOSHousing campaign to help protect this essential provision.
Across the UK, supported housing offers a lifeline to thousands of people – from older residents and care leavers to people living with physical or mental health needs. It provides more than just a place to live; it offers the foundation for wellbeing, independence and stability.
At Abri, we currently support over 4,500 individuals through our Independent Living, Extra Care and Partnership Living schemes. These include everything from residential care homes to single-occupancy flats. We work closely with care and support partners to make sure our customers get the help they need – whether that’s health support, wellbeing services or advice to access employment and training.
Our supported housing services are in a good place, but we know the wider sector is under real pressure.
After years of underfunding, many supported housing providers are now at breaking point. In the past year alone, one in three providers were forced to close schemes due to financial pressures. Many more say they could follow unless urgent action is taken.
Without supported housing, more people face:
- Homelessness
- Prolonged hospital stays
- Unsafe or unsuitable accommodation
- Greater risk of harm, isolation or reoffending
This also adds unsustainable pressure to the NHS, social care, homelessness services and the justice system.
With the government’s Spending Review approaching, we’re joining the NHF in calling on ministers to:
- Increase housing-related support funding to at least £1.6bn a year
- Include supported housing in long-term housing and homelessness strategies
- Make it a key part of the government’s 1.5 million homes housebuilding commitment
As a housing provider with a strong track record in delivering sustainable supported housing, we see the difference it makes every day. We also see the growing strain our partners face as rising costs and funding gaps make it harder to provide vital services.
That’s why we’re using our voice to advocate for a fairer, more secure future for supported housing – because when we protect these services, we protect people, communities, and the public services we all rely on.