Making the decision to move into supported accommodation is a big step, whether it’s for yourself, a family member, or someone you support professionally. At Diverse Services, we understand that change can be daunting, and you might have lots of questions about what the process looks like.
That’s why we’ve created this blog: to walk you through what to expect when someone joins Diverse Services, from initial referral all the way to settling in. We believe in transparency, communication, and putting the individual at the heart of every decision, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Step 1: The Referral
The journey usually begins with a referral. This might come from:
- A local authority or commissioning body
- A social worker
- A healthcare professional
- Community clinical team
- A family member or carer
- The individual themselves
You don’t need to have everything figured out to make a referral. Simply reach out to our team via phone, email, or through our website’s referral form, and we’ll guide you from there.
Once we’ve received the referral, we’ll gather some basic information about the individual’s support needs, background, preferences, and any existing care plans. This helps us understand if we can offer the right environment and support.
If the person is still an inpatient, we would attend regular ward reviews to help build rapport, understand their needs, and determine the most appropriate placement for them. These meetings typically include the ward Psychiatrist Consultant, registered staff nurse, community clinical team, and the hospital pharmacist.
Step 2: Initial Assessment and Matching
We aim to assess every referral within days. Over the past two years our median time from referral to assessment has been 3 days, and 82% of people were assessed within a week. As part of that, This isn’t a test, it’s a conversation, designed to understand the person’s:
- Health, emotional and social needs
- Daily living skills and level of independence
- Preferred routines and communication styles
- Risk factors and safeguarding considerations
- Hobbies, interests, and goals for the future
We also assess how well they might settle into one of our properties, based on the people already living there and the overall home dynamic. This matching process is crucial to ensure a safe and harmonious environment for everyone.
Whenever possible, we’ll meet the individual in person or arrange a video call to start building a relationship from day one.
Step 3: Viewing the Property and Meeting the Team
If we believe we’re a good match, we’ll invite the individual (and their family, social worker, or carer if they wish) to visit the property. We then work with the placing authority to confirm funding and agree on a proposed placement date. This gives them a chance to:
- See their potential new home
- Meet the support staff and the people we support
- Ask questions about routines and activities
- Start imagining what life could look like at Diverse Services
We understand how important this step is in helping someone feel comfortable and empowered to make the right decision. We’ll never rush, we want everyone to feel confident before moving forward.
Step 4: Support Planning
If everyone agrees to move ahead, we begin support planning. This is a collaborative process where the individual is at the centre of every conversation. Together, we create a detailed, person-centred plan that covers:
- Daily routines and structure
- Health and medication needs
- Communication preferences
- Cultural, spiritual, or dietary requirements
- Goals for skill building, independence, and wellbeing
- Risk management and safeguarding measures
Families, carers, and professionals can be involved in these discussions to ensure all perspectives are considered. The result is a clear, personalised roadmap that outlines how we’ll support the individual to live well.
Step 5: Transitioning In
Everyone settles at their own pace, which is why we offer flexible transition plans. Depending on the individual’s needs, this may include:
- Short introductory visits or overnight stays
- Gradual increase in time spent at the property
- Support with packing, moving, and saying goodbye to previous homes
- Dedicated keyworker assigned before move in day
- Familiar items and routines introduced to ease anxiety
Our team is trained to manage change with empathy and patience. We know this can be an emotional time, for the individual and their loved ones, and we’re here to offer consistent, calm, and reassuring support.
Step 6: Settling In and Ongoing Support
Once the individual has moved in, we focus on helping them settle. This means:
- Building positive, trusting relationships
- Introducing them gradually to other people in the home
- Encouraging participation in group activities
- Supporting familiar routines to provide stability
- Checking in regularly with family and professionals
We carry out regular reviews to ensure the support plan remains up to date and truly reflects the person’s progress and changing needs. And of course, families are always welcome to stay involved, visit, or contribute to reviews.
What Makes Diverse Services Different?
We know there are many supported accommodation providers out there, but we believe our approach sets us apart.
Here’s what you can expect when joining Diverse Services:
- A personalised, human approach: every person is treated as an individual with unique strengths and needs
- 24 hour support: from trained, compassionate staff who know the people they support
- Safe, welcoming homes: designed to promote comfort, confidence, and community
- Family involvement: we value your input and keep you informed every step of the way
- Clear, open communication: no jargon and no judgement, just honest, respectful conversations
- A commitment to progress: we focus on helping everyone we support take steps towards greater independence and wellbeing
- Feedback From Our Families
"Right from the start, we felt included and supported. The team made a genuine effort to get to know our son and what works best for him. The transition was handled with such care, seeing him happy and settled brought us so much peace of mind."
Parent of AB, current service user.
Ready to Make a Referral?
Whether you’re a professional, family member, or someone looking for support yourself, we’re here to help.
You can find out more about our supported accommodation here, or get in touch to ask a question, arrange a visit, or begin the referral process.
👉 Contact Us https://diverseservices.co.uk/contact/ 📩 Email us info@diverseservices.co.uk