Floating Support: Resettlement and Tenancy Support

What is the Floating Support Service?
The Floating Support Service is a service we offer to people with mental health support needs who are moving into or already living in their own accommodation, such as a flat rented from a housing association or local authority.

We work with people to support them in getting used to living in their own home, settling into and getting involved in their local community and maintaining their tenancy.

Part of the Floating Support Service is specifically for people with a history of sleeping rough and the other is for people who have been living in bed and breakfast accommodation.

We work with people living in Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Bath & North East Somerset.

What support will I receive?
We offer you support for an initial period of six months up to a maximum of two years. The practical and emotional support you will be offered is designed around your own individual needs and interests. This could include getting grants or loans, coping with bills, filling in forms, sorting out repairs, having someone to talk to, help in dealing with other agencies, looking after your home, or meeting new people in your community. You may also be able to get a small grant to help buy furniture.  

We agree with you how we will work together and this is guided by regular reviews of your changing support needs at least every six months. At times you may have more than one Second Step worker supporting you.

Do I need a referral to use this service?
Yes, you would normally be referred to us by health, housing or social workers, other housing providers, advice agencies or voluntary organisations.

You can contact us directly but we will ask for background information about you from another agency or organisation.

Who can use this service?
If you want to be considered for the Floating Support Service, you need to:

  • have current mental health needs, requiring some level of support to live independently;
  • be single and aged over 16;
  • willing to accept support;
  • have basic living skills and the potential to maintain your own home; and  
  • agree to follow Second Step's Equal Opportunities Policy.

You may be part of a family or have a partner, but we will only give support to people on an individual basis - not to the whole family or couples. Please discuss this with us.

Will I need to pay anything?
No - the support we provide is completely free. Most of our funding to run this service comes from the Government's "Supporting People" programme.

What happens next?
If you are referrred to us, you will need to fill in an Application Form so we that we can have some background information about you.

We will then set up a meeting with you to look at your specific needs to see if we can help.

If you would like more information about Floating Support please click the link below to download a PDF version of our Information Leaflet.

Floating Support Services General Information Leaflet 

BANES Floating Support Service

South Gloucestershire Floating Support Service

Alternatively you can call us on any of the numbers listed below:

  • BANES: 01225 750926 and/or 01225 750927
  • Bristol Floating Support: 0117 909 6367
  • North Somerset: 01934 645 999
  • South Gloucestershire: 0117 909 6367

or email us at: fss@second-step.co.uk

If you would like to apply to us directly, please click on the link below to download an Application Form.

Second Step Application Form for Housing and Support Services