19/10/2026
Celebrating the life-changing impact of supported housing
Two customers enjoy a cup of tea and a game at an extra care scheme.
Bromford Flagship LiveWest (BFL) is marking Supported Housing Week by shining a light on the people, services and partnerships that help more than 4,000 customers live independently and thrive in their communities across the South West, East and Central England.
Supported housing can transform lives in many different ways.
From providing emergency accommodation when someone urgently needs a safe place to stay to supporting people as they build confidence and move towards greater independence, these services offer stability and opportunity.
During the National Housing Federation’s Supported Housing Week, BFL is shining a spotlight on the life-changing impact of supported housing across the South West, East and Central England.
The campaign raises awareness of the important role supported housing plays in helping people live independently, while celebrating the colleagues, customers and partners who make this possible every day.
Across BFL, around 270 supported housing schemes provide tailored support to 4,100 people of all ages and circumstances, helping them build confidence, develop new skills and achieve their ambitions.
A young person taking part in an activity at a LiveWest foyer in Torbay.
More than 460 customers are supported through BFL’s 11 extra care schemes, while 640 people receive support through more than 90 learning disability schemes. The organisation also supports more than 290 adults and 95 families through dedicated adults and families services, alongside 19 schemes supporting around 430 young people to develop the skills and confidence they need to live independently.
James Reseigh, Director of Neighbourhoods at LiveWest, said: "Supported housing is about much more than providing a safe and secure place to live. It is about understanding our customer’s needs and giving them the right support to build confidence, develop valuable skills and create a more independent future.
“During Supported Housing Week, we are proud to celebrate our services, customers’ achievements and recognise the colleagues and partners whose dedication helps more than 4,000 customers across the South West, East and Central England live independently and thrive in their communities."
Whether helping young people take their first steps towards independence, supporting people with learning disabilities to live well in their communities, assisting families through challenging circumstances or providing additional support for older people, every service is focused on helping people achieve their ambitions.
Support is tailored to each person and can include developing practical life skills, managing a tenancy, accessing education or employment, improving health and wellbeing, and building confidence and community connections.
Victoria King-Lowe, Regional Director - Customer at Bromford, said: “Every day, we see how the right home and support can open up new possibilities for people, whether that means taking a first step towards independent living, overcoming a challenge or feeling more connected to others. Seeing customers flourish in their lives, and hearing their stories when they come back to visit us, is a powerful reminder of the lasting difference supported housing can make.
Ava Hocking and her daughter talking to a colleague at a BFL supported housing scheme.
“Supported Housing Week is a chance to recognise that progress and the colleagues who help make it possible. Their compassion, commitment and respect for every customer bring our values to life. By listening to our customers and understanding what matters to them, they help people make choices, achieve their goals and shape their own futures.”
One customer who benefited from BFL's supported housing services is Ava Hocking, who lived in an adults and families supported housing scheme in the South West before moving into a permanent home for herself and her daughter.
She said: “I’d be homeless if I wasn’t here, so it’s good.”
“It’s nice to know that I’ve got somewhere and there’s also help getting into a more permanent place, which is nice and helpful.”
“It’s nice to be able to provide for Winnie… we’ve been here since I was eight months pregnant. It’s been great.”
“I can imagine when you’re 16 or 17 years old, it’s even more helpful to have accommodation like this.”
In the East of England, Ellen Denne, Independent Living Housing Manager at Flagship, recently supported a customer move from one supported living property to another just across the driveway to be closer to her friend of many years.
Working with social care, on-site support and an occupational therapist, Flagship arranged adaptations to the home so the two friends could live together again.
Ellen said: “It may seem like a small move, but it’s made a big difference to two customers, not just one. Without it, they might have carried on living alone, missing out on the companionship and sense of belonging that matter so much to their wellbeing.
“For a lot of our customers, home is much more than somewhere to live. It’s where they feel safe, settled and supported to be as independent as possible.”
Throughout Supported Housing Week, BFL will be sharing stories from customers, colleagues and partners across its regions to showcase how supported housing changes lives and creates opportunities for people to achieve greater independence.
A parent and her young child outside a supported living scheme.