Pushing Open the Door

This report is based on an independent evaluation of the services provided by "Housing Options" - an advisory service established to enable people with learning difficulties to access a much wider range of housing choices. Through interviews with service users and providers, and a study of a range of similar projects, the author looks at: who uses the "Housing Options" service; people's experiences of using the service, including the barriers people faced in extending choice; capacity building with organizations; key findings and the implications for advice services, commissioners and central government; and wider lessons about the application of supported living. The report argues that supported living involves a wide range of tools and techniques to ensure that the housing and support arrangements are appropriate to the needs and wishes of the individual.