Independence and living independently
Where we live and who we live with is really important. Young people including those with learning difficulties and/or other disabilities should be able to choose:
- where they live, and
- who they live with
Because of their need for additional considerations, young people with a disability and their families should be encouraged to think about where they might live in the future as part of their transition planning from Year 9 at school or when they are 14 years old.
When they are older, some young people may want to live alone (with support, if needed) with friends or with a partner.
It is important to begin to develop the different skills you will need to live independently
Independent living gives you choices about and control over:
- your life and the support you get
- where and how you live, including supported living.
If you have a support plan or an education, health and care (EHC) plan and you want to live independently, from the age of 16 we will start talking to you about your options. We will do this at your review meetings and your circle meetings.
There are a number of options for you to think about:
- living at home
- supported living
- social/council housing
- residential care
Living at home
If you live at home and you qualify for adult social care, you can get help to develop skills to live independently such as personal care, managing money, travelling independently or making decisions. If you get social care services, you might need to pay something towards your care.
Supported housing
Supported housing offers 24-hour support for people with SEND and disabilities. Private organisations or housing associations run supported housing. And we may work with housing associations to build housing specifically for people with disabilities.
Social or council housing
If you wish to apply for council housing you need to find out if you qualify. To find out more, visit the City of London's Housing in related links and view our guide to accommodation.
To apply for social housing you will need to apply directly to the housing association.
Residential care
You may need to live in residential care if you need more support than you can be given at home or in supported housing. Find out more about residential care.
If you want to live independently we will talk to you and work out how much support you will need and how much it will cost. We will do this as part of your reviews. The amount of money your care costs is called your personal budget.
You might get part of your personal budget as a direct payment, which is money that we pay straight to you. You can use this money to buy the services you want.
If you take a place in a residential care home the way we pay for your care is different.
The Housing Needs Team offer advice on housing options available to you based on your individual circumstances. Should you wish to register interest and apply to join the Housing Register, you can contact:
The Housing Needs Team-Barbican Estate Office, 3 Lauderdale Place, London. EC2Y 8EN
Phone: 020 7332 1237 / 1654 / 3452
Email: hadvice@cityoflondon.gov.uk
If you are homeless:
City of London Corporation Housing Advice and Homelessness Officer,
Guildhall, PO Box 270, PO Box 270, London
Phone: 020 7332 1804
Email: homeless@cityoflondon.gov.uk
If you wish to speak to the Housing Needs Team in person, please call and make an appointment so we can make sure that a member of staff is available to see you.