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Answer:

Extra care housing offers high-quality, specialist housing with tailored support to promote independence. Designed to be flexible, these schemes adapt to residents’ changing needs and help reduce isolation by keeping individuals connected to their communities.

Currently, Tower Hamlets has six extra care schemes providing 214 units across the borough.

Answer:
Meeting growing demand: A recent service review highlighted a significant population growth, particularly among those aged over 65, increasing the demand for specialist housing with care. We are committed to enhancing care services and meeting the evolving needs of our residents. Our key priorities include:
  • Strengthening partnerships with care providers to ensure high standards and long-term service sustainability.
  • Expanding extra care housing to help more residents stay independent in their own homes.
  • Increasing in-borough dementia care to support those with complex needs.
  • Facilitating timely hospital discharges by working closely with healthcare and social work teams.
  • Ensuring inclusive and culturally sensitive care that meets the diverse needs of our community.
  • Encouraging community connections by linking care providers with local groups and voluntary organisations.
  • Implementing enhanced healthcare services to improve residents’ wellbeing.
  • Gaining deeper insights into self-funded care to better understand and support those who pay for their own care.

Our ten-year Housing with Care Strategy (2024-2034) sets out a clear vision to:

  • Enhance existing extra care housing to help residents live independently for longer.
  • Expand the number of extra care housing units by 240, offering a strong alternative to traditional residential care.
  • Reduce out-of-borough placements, allowing more people to stay close to their community.
  • Offer greater choice and support for vulnerable adults with complex needs.
  • Develop modern, technology-integrated housing that supports health and wellbeing.
  • Collaborate with investors and developers to meet future demand effectively.
Answer:

In Tower Hamlets we work together with service users to develop and deliver the range of support and interventions that can help adults with a learning disability live well.

The council is working with its partners on the Learning Disability Partnership Board to refresh its five-year Learning Disability Strategy, which we hope to publish in early autumn. This will detail how we intend to deliver against the priorities most important to us.

Our priorities

In advance of its completion, adults with a learning disability and their carers have identified six key outcomes and partnership actions most important to them which we expect to see embedded and delivered across all our commissioned services:

  • Be happy and healthy.
  • Live locally.
  • Be part of the community and be involved in activities.
  • Work or volunteer.
  • Have choice and the right support.
  • Be respected and safe.

Our services

Supported accommodation

Along with our extra care housing, accessed by everyone with an assessed level of need, we currently commission 52 supported accommodation units across a range of different settings. Our accommodation includes:

  • Self-contained one-bedroom flats with ensuite bedrooms.
  • Shared houses (three–five bedrooms) with 24-hour support, helping to prevent loneliness and isolation while promoting community living.

This level of provision does not reflect demand which means many individuals are placed outside of the borough. To address this, we are focused on working with individuals and their families to increase the availability of high-quality supported opportunities within borough boundaries over the next five-year period.

Residential respite:

Residential short-break respite support is available at our newly refurbished Hotel in the Park respite service. Following an assessment by our Community Learning Disability Team, individuals and their carers can access overnight, long weekends or longer breaks when booked in advance.  The service is also available at short notice to support families in a crisis.  Please contact LDDuty@towerhamlets.gov.uk for further information. 

Answer:

We provide 250 day-service spaces for individuals who might benefit from engaging in structured, safe, and stimulating daytime activities. Referrals to local day centres are made through the Community Learning Disabilities Team, who can be contacted by emailing LDDuty@towerhamlets.gov.uk.

During 2025 we will be recommissioning our model of day opportunities. We aim to deliver personalised, and peer-led day opportunities with an increased focus on securing employment for people and on supporting and enabling participation in local community activities, while still ensuring there is specific centre-based support for those with higher levels of need. We want to ensure people can participate in a much greater range of activities in the evenings and weekends as well as during the day.

Employment support

We commission an employment support service to support adults with a learning disability into work.

Market opportunities

We will work with providers able to support these aspirations, who take a co-productive approach in the delivery of their services. Care providers will need to:

  • See and support people as individuals, providing support to maximise independence.
  • Place people and their family/carers at the centre of all they do.
  • Continuously improve the quality and effectiveness of provision, with explicit quality standards.
  • Be transparent and share concerns, risks and issues with commissioners and borough teams.
  • Commit to safeguarding principles, to have their own and local interagency policies and procedures and responsive to promoting safety
Answer:

We prioritise prevention and early intervention to support adults with mental health needs. Our goal is to help residents manage their mental health, preventing conditions from worsening and reducing the need for high-intensity services like inpatient care or residential rehabilitation. We are committed to keeping people within their communities by providing accessible mental health support.

Our approach focuses on practical advice, intensive community support, health and wellbeing programs, outreach services, and targeted therapeutic interventions, including support for hoarding. We want to deliver the right support at the right time across the recovery journey, meeting the needs of those in contact with secondary and acute services at the same time as offering prevention and early intervention services to those with less complex mental health problems.

Connecting residents to support and opportunities in the community that help combat loneliness, isolation and low-level mental health needs is key. We are committed to achieving this through our connection coalition steering group which aims to raise awareness of these issues and brings together voluntary sector organisations, residents and other stakeholders to identify and implement innovative solutions.

Our key priorities

We are committed to building a stronger, more inclusive mental health support system by focusing on:

  • Sustainable resource allocation – prioritising services that empower residents, promote self-help, and support employment, education, and training.
  • Seamless, connected services – enhancing integration between mental health services, peer support networks, and community programs.
  • Culturally sensitive and inclusive care – ensuring services meet the diverse needs of our population, including LGBTQ+ individuals, carers, and marginalised groups.
  • Innovative and flexible support models – exploring new approaches, such as adaptable floating support services tailored to individual needs.
  • Technology for prevention and access – using digital tools to improve mental health management and enhance service accessibility.

Our services

Our commissioned service will address and reduce health inequalities for population groups who experience greater barriers to accessing mental health services.

We offer a range of community-based mental health services designed to provide early support and prevent escalation. Together, these services create a holistic, recovery-focused system designed to keep residents well and within their communities:

  • Tower Hamlets Talking Therapies – free and confidential support through Mind in Tower Hamlets and Newham. Residents can access face-to-face therapy, workshops, and online programs to manage their mental health.
  • Crisis and Rehabilitation Services – provided by Lookahead and ELFT, these services support individuals transitioning from acute care and help prevent hospital admissions by offering crisis intervention and rehabilitation in the community.
  • Mental Health Crisis Support -(NHS 111, Option 2) – A 24/7 helpline for immediate mental health support, ensuring quick access to emergency assessments and appropriate care.
  • Tower Hamlets Together Café – a welcoming, walk-in support space for adults experiencing mental health crises, providing an alternative to A&E with no referral needed.
  • Intensive Community Support – Flexible, person-centred support for individuals living with mental health needs, covering housing, social inclusion, and employment assistance.
  • Recovery College - comprehensive, peer-led education and training programmes within mental health services and to the wider community. Running like any other college, education is provided as a route to recovery, not as a form of therapy. Courses are co-devised and co-delivered by people with lived experience of mental illness and by mental health professionals.
  • Employment Support - 1:1 personalised support based around coaching principles to address barriers to work. Providing support into employment and support to retain work or transition into alternative employment where there are risks of losing employment.
  • Mind Connecting Communities -Offers information and advice, one to one support and recovery groups, events, and activities for people with lived experience to access to support their recovery.
Answer:

We have commissioned a broad range of accommodation options for those experiencing mental health problems. Our Quality Improvement Project for supported accommodation pathways outlines our commitment to provide care closer to home in as independent a setting as possible. This remains a major priority as we work with providers and East London Foundation Trust to ensure the overall configuration is appropriate and able to support more people with higher needs in borough.

We will develop robust referral and signposting pathways with a view to ensuring service users receive holistic support, enabling them to step down from higher levels of support and contribute to and be participants in their community.

We do not expect the overall number of commissioned placements to increase from current levels over the next five years. Any reconfiguration will be designed to reduce our reliance on out of borough residential care placements and to ensure that in borough capacity is as fully utilised as possible.

Market opportunities

We are keen to work with our partners to promote mental health and wellbeing in our communities, preventing Tower Hamlets residents from developing more significant mental health problems, and ensuring that when people do need them, mental health services are of the highest possible quality, proactively supporting people to recover.

We welcome innovative service models, including collaborative approaches, to meet the diverse needs of our residents.

Answer:

Our supported accommodation services, including single homeless hostels, play a crucial role in preventing street homelessness and providing individuals with a pathway to independent living. These services offer:

  • Safe and secure accommodation.
  • Intensive one-on-one support tailored to individual needs.
  • Access to financial assistance, employment opportunities, and social activities.
  • Health promotion and wellbeing programs.
  • Strong partnerships with external organisations to provide holistic support.

The hostels offer in Tower Hamlets consists of five services providing 341 beds. By working in partnership with social care, health, probation, and housing services, our supported accommodation helps to:

  • Reduce homelessness and rough sleeping.
  • Tackle drug and alcohol dependency.
  • Support individuals in moving from hostels into stable, long-term accommodation.
  • Reduce reoffending and anti-social behaviour.

Our ongoing commitment is to ensure that every resident in Tower Hamlets has access to the support and services they need to live independently and with dignity.

Answer:

Tower Hamlets Combating Drugs Partnership: Substance Misuse Strategy

Our Substance Misuse Strategy outlines our vision and commitment to tackling substance misuse in Tower Hamlets over the next four years. This strategy sets out key priorities for action and will be supported by yearly delivery plans to ensure continuous progress.

We are working alongside the NHS, Metropolitan Police, London Community Rehabilitation Company, London Fire Brigade, and voluntary sector organisations, including residents, the LGBT Forum, Interfaith Forum, and individuals who use drug and alcohol support services. Together, we are committed to making a lasting impact.

We want to collaborate with providers who share our vision of reducing drug and alcohol-related harm for individuals, families, and communities in Tower Hamlets while supporting more residents in overcoming substance misuse.

Our priorities

Our goal is to reduce drug and alcohol-related harm for individuals, families, and communities in Tower Hamlets while supporting more residents in overcoming substance misuse.We will focus on three core areas to drive change:

  • Breaking drug supply chains to disrupt illegal drug distribution.
  • Delivering a world-class treatment and recovery system to provide effective support.
  • Achieving a generational shift in the demand for drugs through education and prevention.

Addressing wider challenges

We recognise that poverty, unemployment, and social deprivation are major risk factors for substance misuse. Tackling these underlying issues is essential for the long-term success of our strategy, and we work closely with partner organisations to address these broader determinants of health.

Answer:

Unpaid carers play a vital role in our community, making a significant contribution to the health and social care system. We are committed to supporting carers by providing access to essential information, advice, and direct support to help them manage their caring responsibilities.

Our Commitment to Carers Action Plan, co-produced with carers and health and social care partners, outlines our priorities to address the challenges carers face, including the impact of COVID-19, rising living costs, and the need for timely, practical support.

Our key priorities

  • Identifying and recognising carers to ensure they receive the support they need.
  • Helping carers reach their full potential through education, training, and employment opportunities.
  • Enabling carers to have a life outside of caring by providing flexible support services.
  • Improving the health and wellbeing of carers to help them maintain their own quality of life.
  • Supporting young carers transitioning into adulthood with tailored resources and guidance.

Carers

According to the 2021 Census, 18,551 residents in Tower Hamlets identified as unpaid carers. However, national estimates suggest the actual number is much higher, with many carers unrecognised and unsupported. Every day, 12,000 people in the UK become carers—including over 5,000 in the workplace.

Our priority is to ensure carers receive the support they need - not only to sustain their caring role but also to maintain their own wellbeing, pursue education, employment, or social opportunities, and feel valued.

Support for carers

The Carers Centre Tower Hamlets provides a range of support services, including:

  • Information and advice to help carers navigate their role.
  • Practical support such as financial guidance and respite care.
  • Emotional and wellbeing support to reduce stress and prevent burnout. 

For carers in crisis, we have commissioned the Care Solution Bureau to provide an Emergency Carers Service, ensuring homecare support is available in sudden, unforeseen circumstances - without the need for a formal carer’s assessment.

Digital support for carers

To make support more accessible, we have introduced the Virtual Carers Centre Hub, offering 24/7 online resources, training, and wellbeing tools. Carers can also access Carers UK’s Digital Resources and the Jointly app (membership code: #EFC1982) for additional guidance and support.

Opportunities for providers

We are looking to strengthen partnerships with adult social care providers in the following areas:

Improving carer identification and recognition

  • Embedding carer recognition into service delivery so carers don’t have to repeatedly explain their situation.
  • Supporting carers who may not self-identify, such as parents, siblings, or friends providing care.
  • Creating flexible services that accommodate both carers and those they support.

Strengthening support and signposting

  • Ensuring carers receive the right support at the right time through compassionate engagement.
  • Enhancing signposting pathways so carers can easily access services.
  • Maintaining accessible emergency support services for carers in crisis.
  • Considering the impact on unpaid carers when reviewing or developing new services.
  • Using digital technology to enhance carer support and quality of life.

Developing carers’ skills and opportunities

  • Recognising the valuable skills carers gain and exploring pathways into employment or volunteering.
  • Providing training and development opportunities tailored to carers' experiences.

Supporting carers in the workforce

  • Encouraging businesses in Tower Hamlets to recognise and support carers in their workforce.
  • Promoting the Employers for Carers platform, developed by Carers UK, to help small and medium-sized employers support working carers.
  • Tower Hamlets Council is an active Carer Confident employer and offers a subscription to the Employers for Carers digital platform. Employers can register at Employers for Carers using membership code #EFC1982.

Our commitment to carers

Tower Hamlets Council and its partners are dedicated to ensuring unpaid carers receive the recognition, support, and opportunities they deserve. By working together with providers, we aim to create a carer-friendly system that values carers for their role while also supporting their own wellbeing and aspirations.

We look forward to collaborating with providers and stakeholders to develop innovative solutions that make a lasting difference in the lives of unpaid carers in Tower Hamlets.

Answer:

Direct payments are monetary payments made by the council to individuals with assessed eligible needs, allowing them to arrange their own care and support. Our goal is to maximise choice, control, and independence for residents by ensuring they have access to personalised and flexible support. 

Since bringing the Direct Payment Support Service in-house in April 2024, we have been committed to ensuring residents receive timely information, expert advice, and hands-on assistance. Our goal is to make direct payments simple, accessible, and beneficial, giving you the confidence to manage your own care.

Our key principles include:

  • Choice and flexibility – we encourage more people to explore direct payments as a flexible way to meet their care needs.
  • Expert guidance – our knowledgeable team provides clear advice and ongoing support every step of the way.
  • Easy processes – we aim to make direct payments straightforward, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.
  • Personal Assistant (PA) support – we help connect you with trained PAs, support recruitment, and guide you through your responsibilities as an employer.

Currently, 673 individuals in Tower Hamlets receive direct payments—about a quarter of those we support. We are working to grow this number so more residents can benefit from personalised care.

Market opportunities

We want to work together with providers to shape a dynamic and responsive care market that meets the evolving needs of our residents. Our key areas of focus include:

  • Expanding awareness – actively promoting Direct Payments as a flexible alternative to traditional care services.
  • Encouraging innovative care solutions – expecting providers to offer diverse, creative, and inclusive services for individuals with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, and mental health needs.
  • Growing the PA workforce – addressing the national shortage of skilled Personal Assistants (PAs) by working with providers to attract, train, and expand the local PA market, ensuring people have real choice in their support.
  • Introducing personal travel budgets – providing residents with more flexible transport solutions, making it easier to access the care and activities they need.

 By collaborating with providers, we aim to enhance service quality, increase accessibility, and empower individuals to take control of their care.

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