Issue - meetings

The Board welcomed Catherine Nicholson, Sara Pimblett and Stephen Sweeney from Fortunatus Housing Solutions, who gave a presentation to the Board on the Company’s work in Halton.

They introduced Fortunatus Housing Solutions as a North West based registered charity providing supported accommodation for vulnerable adults with mental health problems and/or learning disabilities who were unable to access social housing.  Fortunatus currently accommodated and supported 41 people in tenancies in Halton, and had a further 6 people on their waiting list.

The Board was advised that Fortunatus had a robust referral assessment process, with all referrals coming from health and social care services.   As part of their assessment, a number of factors were taken into consideration, as outlined in the report.  It was noted that all tenants received person centred support and received weekly visits from their designated support worker.  They also benefitted from good quality accommodation; designated maintenance officers; the services of a professional property and lettings manager; and an out of hours service.

Outlined in the presentation were details of how the Charity was funded and the work carried out with 8 local authorities in the North West.  Details were also provided on the potential for savings to be made by local authorities who used the service.  Further to the Board’s request, further information on this would be sent to them following the meeting.

In response to Members’ queries, it was noted that the Charity did not own the properties on their books, they were leased from private owners; and that clients were housed in their local authority areas.

RESOLVED:  That the Board notes the report and presentation.