Fitting the bill: Developing a floating support service

Floating support can provide a flexible peripatetic service to people in their own homes, with the aim of developing or maintaining independence. It is based on individually assessed need and support plans that promote time‐limited self‐help and links to other local services. The shortage of properly structured low‐medium support leaves people vulnerable to a crisis of homelessness or in expensive residential services. Mainstream housing providers may lack the time or experience to offer the right help. This paper shows how an effective service can be designed and managed.