Building Community: Fostering Social Inclusion in Supported Living Settings

Supported Living is about more than providing safe accommodation. It’s about helping people live fulfilling lives. For individuals with care needs, building friendships, learning new skills, and feeling part of a lively community can transform everyday life. For providers, investors, and those new to the sector, creating these opportunities isn’t just good practice; it’s central to delivering real social value and meeting government targets.

This guide shows how to put community at the heart of Supported Living. From designing welcoming spaces to building local partnerships, here’s how to turn services into places where people connect and thrive.

Why Social Inclusion Matters

For Residents

Improved Wellbeing and Skills
Joining local activities helps residents grow in confidence, social skills, and practical abilities, whether it’s learning to manage money or taking part in a gardening club.

Reducing Isolation
One in four adults faces social isolation. Simple activities like coffee mornings, art sessions or shared meals help people form natural connections and friendships.

For Providers

Better Occupancy and Retention
Services known for strong community links often have lower vacancy rates. Families and commissioners value providers who support the whole person, not just their care needs.

Enhanced Reputation
Sharing stories about residents’ achievements and community partnerships demonstrates quality care and attracts referrals and positive media attention.

For Local Authorities and Funders

Meeting Strategic Goals
Social inclusion directly supports outcomes under the Care Act, such as independence, wellbeing, and community participation.

Reducing Long-term Costs
When people are connected locally, they often rely less on more intensive services, helping councils manage budgets sustainably.

Linking Your Service to National Goals

Local authorities need to show measurable social value when commissioning services. Providers who align their work with these goals stand a better chance of winning contracts and forming long-term partnerships.

Key Frameworks to Know

Adult Social Care Outcomes Framework (ASCOF)
Measures include:

• The proportion of people with long-term care needs using self-directed support

• The proportion of adults with learning disabilities in employment or day services

Activities like volunteering, social groups and employment support can contribute directly to these measures.

Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012
This Act requires commissioners to consider social, economic, and environmental impacts. Common priorities include promoting health and wellbeing, reducing social isolation, and supporting local employment.

Showing Your Impact

Use tools like Social Return on Investment to measure and report your outcomes. For example, a community café might create £3.50 in social value for every £1 spent.

Many councils also use online platforms where you can share evidence of activities, hours volunteered, and success stories.

Winning Contracts: Tips for Providers

• Set clear targets in your bids, such as delivering a specific number of volunteer hours or running a set number of community events.

• Highlight success stories, like CareLink Homes, who secured a West Midlands contract by exceeding social value targets and starting a mindfulness group that reduced emergency calls.

Creating the Right Environment

Design Matters

• Communal lounges and gardens with flexible furniture encourage group activities or quiet relaxation.

• Activity rooms equipped for crafts, games or digital sessions offer places for residents and volunteers to connect.

Staff Training and Culture

• Include social inclusion training from day one, covering communication, accessibility, and safeguarding.

• Appoint community champions to lead volunteer programmes, plan events, and build local connections.

Working with Local Partners

Community groups bring energy and resources into Supported Living services:

• Voluntary organisations, like befriending services or local charities, can help run activities or offer one-to-one support.

• Local businesses, such as cafés, bakeries, or art studios, can provide places for outings and skill-building.

• Health services and councils can help integrate community groups into individual support plans through social prescribing.

Volunteers: Bringing Fresh Energy

Volunteers bring new skills, enthusiasm, and perspectives into services.

Best Practices for Volunteer Programmes

• Provide clear role descriptions, DBS checks, and structured induction.

• Recognise volunteers with awards, social events, or thank-you messages.

Volunteer Roles to Consider

• Pair volunteers and residents around shared hobbies like gardening, music, or sport.

• Engage volunteers to help run events or support new residents.

Building Groups and Events

Finding Interests
Ask residents regularly about their interests and goals.

Regular Activities
Run consistent groups like art classes, book clubs or walking groups to help build trust and routine.

Digital Connections
Use WhatsApp or private online groups to keep families involved and share updates.

Community Events
Host seasonal fairs, talent shows, or joint projects with local schools to bring people together.

Tackling Common Challenges

• For transport, consider shared minibuses, volunteer drivers, or local partnerships.

• To manage costs, look for small grants, sponsorships, or cost-sharing with partners.

• Keep safeguarding strong with clear consent processes, risk assessments, and emergency plans.

Tracking Your Progress

Monitor your efforts to keep improving:

• Collect data on attendance, volunteer hours, and new referrals.

• Gather feedback from residents, families, and staff.

• Review activities regularly to adjust and celebrate successes.

Start Small and Grow

Building community in Supported Living is an investment that pays off in resident wellbeing, stronger partnerships, and measurable social value. Whether you start a single club, bring in a few volunteers, or run your first open day, small steps can make a big difference.

Connect with your local council’s social value team, link up with voluntary organisations, and start exploring the interests of your residents. The journey towards real inclusion and thriving communities begins today.