Care and Support

Bernicia have a dedicated Care and Support function which provides housing and support services to over 2700 households. The majority of our tenants and services users are older people, however we have a diverse range of other specialist accommodation and services available.

Homeless Households

Ashkirk Homeless Households Project is an accommodation based support service providing practical housing related support and advice to families who are homeless.

The ‘core’ accommodation of 8 units consists of 6 houses and 2 flats. A further 8 ‘cluster’ units are offered throughout the city for residents to progress to from the core units.

Each household has a unique support package which specifically addresses their needs. Support packages are used to develop the skills and confidence of the household members which will help them to secure homes and manage their tenancies and responsibilities.

Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse is an abuse of power, used by one person to control another with whom their often have a close relationship and can affect all members of the community.

As part of our service we will,

Treat all reports of domestic abuse seriously, in a sensitive manner and in confidence.
Provide you with quality advise and support by trained staff. Where we can not help directly, we will signpost you to specialist agencies that can help
Where appropriate, take action against those who commit domestic abuse or support them to stop.
Keep you updated regularly if we are supporting you or taking action.

Click here to find out more about our support service for victims of domestic violence.

Bernicia also own a purpose built refuge in Northumerland for women and children escaping domestic violence The scheme offers of 9 units of accommodation including family sized houses, and accessissble gound floor properties for households with mobility problems. If you would like to know more about this service please contact the refuge directly on 01670 820 199.

Learning and Physical Disabilities

We have a range of accomodation for people with physical and learning disabilities. These are mostly managed by partner organisations that specialise in working with people with physical and or learning disabilities, and so provide the best services possible for our tenants. Working in partnership we offer a range of accommodation where people can enhance their independent living skills and live with greater autonomy in the wider community.
Each scheme is adapted with independence in mind. With staff support, people can take advantage of opportunities for learning and socialising in the surrounding community.

Social Inclusion

We have a range of projects, schemes and initiatives to help combat the effects that social exclusion can have on someones ability to maintain an independent home. Again we work with a range of expert partners particularly to support people with drug and alcohol addictions and ex-offenders.

For further information or advice on any of the services detailed above please contact us on 0844 800 3800 and ask to speak to a member of the Care and Support Team.