About Colebrook Housing Society

Mission Statement

Colebrook Housing Society is an independent, not-for-profit, voluntary organisation, which provides high quality housing, care and support in Devon & Cornwall for people with enduring mental ill-health, those recovering from mental illness and those with learning disabilities and other support needs. Where possible, clients will be supported to enable them to improve their quality of life and to move towards independent living in the community, if this is their wish.

Aims and Objectives

  1. Through partnership with other agencies, and by following an agreed Care Plan, to offer support at a level which reflects each resident's individual needs
  2. To offer a range of housing in properties of varying sizes and locations, which are kept in a good state of repair.
  3. To seek to improve existing services and, in partnership with other agencies, to develop new services based on identified needs.
  4. To maintain a sound financial structure, offering security for residents and value for money for purchasers.
  5. To recruit and retain high calibre staff and to facilitate their continuing professional development through a range of training opportunities.
  6. To maintain and develop a reputation as a provider of quality services.
  7. To achieve compatibility of residents within a project.
  8. To offer negotiated levels of support and advice in accordance with the needs, choices and standards of the individual.
  9. To assist residents to find meaningful activity and to lead a purposeful life, compatible with their abilities
  10. To safeguard resident's accommodation rights, within the terms of their Licence Agreement or Tenancy.
  11. To promote residents participation in the running of their project and of the Society.

Philosophy

Each person:

  • is a unique individual who should be a valued member of society
  • has the right to be respected, no matter what their gender, colour, race or creed.
  • has the right to expect the organisation to challenge negative views and to promote positive images.
  • has the right to the support they need in order to become an integrated member of the community.
  • has the right to make choices about their life and lifestyle.

What Services Do Colebrook Provide?

We can offer:
  • Shared houses currently for people with mental health needs and / or learning disabilities.
  • Rooms with shared communal areas in accommodation within varied locations offering varying levels of support.
  • Self contained flats with support.
  • Short term homeless accommodation for people with mental health needs.
  • Floating Support / Outreach Support to vulnerable people in their own homes.
  • 24 hour emergency Out of Hours Telephone Service.
  • A Drop In service.
  • Welfare benefits and debt / money management advice.
  • Opportunities for volunteering and returning to work, as well as community participation.
  • Opportunities to get involved within your local community and other community groups.
  • Social opportunities and awareness raising events.
  • Access to resources, training and personal development.

What Services Colebrook Cannot Offer You

We are currently unable to offer:
  • Long term, permanent accommodation.
  • Residential care.
  • Counselling.
  • Nursing care.
  • Direct advocacy services.
  • Administering of medication.
  • Therapy or therapeutic communities.
  • Legal Advice.

If alternative funding to Supporting People funding can be identified from Social Services, health, private funding or Direct Payments then we may be able to provide the following services (in addition to what we already do):

  • Personal care.
  • Long term support with one particular task.
  • Social care / support.
  • Enabling people to maintain well-being and quality of life.

Colebrook Housing Society is committed to resident participation at all levels of the organisation and aim to make all our services accessible and responsive, fostering an environment of self help and independence.

Business Objectives

In line with our business plan, Colebrook aims to respond to national and local strategies:
  • We will continue to provide services such as housing and access to housing including hostels, shared houses, flats and floating support. There is a clear focus on the expansion of floating support so that people can live as independently as possible in their own homes.
  • We will continue to offer holistic packages of housing related support including our Out of Hours service, opportunities for volunteering and paid work, benefits and money advice and community integration.
  • Our Drop Inn service will be reviewed with stakeholders in 2006/2007.
  • We will provide services which promote and encourage community inclusion and promotion of independence.
  • Maximise development opportunities if it is in the interest of the community and organisation.
  • We will continue to challenge barriers to inclusion eg discrimination, stigma, and we will work with the private sector, statutory sector, voluntary sector and community groups to make a real difference.
  • We will develop a clear funding strategy in order to diversify our funding streams and will also provide “social care” where this is funded via joint commissioning or non-Supporting People funding sources.
  • We will use all our resources efficiently for maximum gain for our stakeholders.
  • We will invest in and develop our staff with an emphasis on continuous improvement and succession in opportunities.

Quality Assurance

Through effective quality assurance monitoring and commitment to continuous improvement, we aim to provide a quality service tailored to meet the individual needs of each person whilst placing a high priority on creating a safe and empowering environment.