Havering Council Support Services for Independent Living
Support Services for Independent Living
Are you or a loved one looking to maintain independence at home in Havering? This comprehensive guide covers essential local services available throughout Hornchurch, Upminster, Rainham, Romford, and Gidea Park that help elderly and disabled residents live independently with dignity and support.
Havering Adult Social Services: Your First Point of Contact
Havering Council’s Adult Social Services department serves as the primary gateway to support for elderly and disabled residents across the borough. Their services include:
- Needs Assessments: Professional evaluations to determine specific support requirements
- Care Planning: Tailored care packages based on individual circumstances
- Financial Assessments: Determining eligibility for funded support
- Safeguarding: Protection for vulnerable adults facing abuse or neglect
Eligibility in Havering: Services are available to Havering residents aged 18+ who have care and support needs that affect their wellbeing and ability to achieve daily activities. The level of support provided depends on both needs and financial assessments.
Contact Havering Adult Social Services: Call 01708 432000 or visit their office at the Town Hall in Romford to arrange an assessment.
Official Website: Havering Adult Social Care Services
Havering Community Equipment Service: Essential Daily Living Aids
This vital Havering service provides essential equipment to support daily living activities for residents throughout Hornchurch, Upminster, Rainham and surrounding areas:
- Mobility aids (walking frames, wheelchairs)
- Bathroom adaptations (shower seats, grab rails)
- Bedroom equipment (specialist beds, hoists)
- Kitchen aids (adapted utensils, perching stools)
Eligibility for Havering Residents: Available to residents following assessment by an occupational therapist or other healthcare professional. Minor equipment may be provided free of charge, while more substantial items may require contribution depending on financial assessment.
Contact for Equipment Assessment: 01708 433103 to arrange your personal assessment.
Service Locations in Havering: Assessment centers in Hornchurch (Elm Park Clinic) and Romford (Queen’s Hospital), with home visits available across all Havering areas including Upminster, Rainham, and Gidea Park.
Official Website: Havering Community Equipment Service
Home Adaptation and Housing Support in Havering
Disabled Facilities Grants in Havering: Making Homes Accessible
Havering residents can access Disabled Facilities Grants of up to £30,000 for essential home adaptations, including:
- Wheelchair ramps and widened doorways for Havering homes
- Stairlifts and through-floor lifts for Hornchurch, Upminster and Rainham properties
- Accessible bathrooms and kitchens for disabled residents
- Improved heating and lighting systems throughout Havering properties
Eligibility for Havering Homeowners: Available to homeowners and private tenants with a permanent disability in Havering. Grants are means-tested for adults but not for families with disabled children. The property must be the disabled person’s main residence in Havering, and the adaptations must be deemed necessary and appropriate by an occupational therapist.
Application Process in Havering: Applications require an occupational therapy assessment and can be initiated through Havering Adult Social Services. The process typically takes 4-6 months from initial assessment to completion of works.
Contact Havering’s Home Improvement Team: Call 01708 434343
Official Website: Disabled Facilities Grants Havering
Havering Housing Options Team: Finding Suitable Accessible Accommodation
For those requiring more suitable accommodation in Havering, the Housing Options Team provides:
- Advice on accessible housing options in Hornchurch, Upminster, Rainham and Gidea Park
- Support with applications for sheltered accommodation across Havering
- Guidance on housing associations specialising in adapted properties within the borough
Eligibility for Havering Housing Support: Open to all Havering residents with priority given to those with specific medical needs or disabilities that affect housing requirements.
Contact Havering Housing Team: Call the Housing Options Team at 01708 434000
Service Locations in Havering: Main office in Romford Town Hall with outreach sessions in Rainham, Hornchurch, and Upminster libraries.
Official Website: Havering Housing Options
Community-Based Support Services in Havering
Havering Community Transport: Maintaining Mobility and Independence
This door-to-door service enables residents with mobility challenges to maintain independence throughout Havering:
- Accessible minibuses for shopping trips and social activities in Hornchurch, Upminster and beyond
- Individual transport to medical appointments across Havering
- Group outings and day trips for elderly and disabled Havering residents
Eligibility for Havering Transport Services: Open to Havering residents who have difficulty using public transport due to age, disability, or isolation. Services cover all areas of Havering including Hornchurch, Upminster, Rainham, Romford, and Gidea Park.
Contact Havering Community Transport: Call 01708 378663 to register
Cost for Havering Residents: Annual membership of £25 with subsidised fares for journeys
Official Website: Havering Community Transport
Tapestry Havering (formerly Age Concern Havering): Comprehensive Support
This local Havering charity offers comprehensive support services:
- Home support services for Havering residents (cleaning, shopping, companionship)
- Befriending schemes to combat isolation in Hornchurch, Upminster and surrounding areas
- Day centres in Hornchurch, Romford, and Rainham
- Information and advice on benefits and entitlements for Havering residents
Eligibility for Tapestry Services: Services primarily for Havering residents aged 50+ or adults with disabilities. Some services may have specific criteria or waiting lists.
Contact Tapestry Havering: Call 01708 796600
Locations in Havering:
- HOPWA House, Hornchurch (Main center)
- Rainham Day Centre, Rainham
- Paines Brook Court, Romford
Official Website: Tapestry Havering
Havering MIND: Mental Health Support in Your Local Area
Supporting those with mental health challenges throughout Havering:
- Counselling and talking therapies for Havering residents
- Peer support groups in Hornchurch and surrounding areas
- Wellbeing activities and workshops across the borough
- Advocacy services for Havering residents
Eligibility for Havering Mental Health Support: Open to any Havering resident experiencing mental health difficulties. Some specialist services may require GP referral.
Contact Havering MIND: Call 01708 457040
Location in Havering: Harrow Lodge House, Hornchurch
Official Website: Havering Mind
Getting Started with Independent Living Support in Havering
For those unsure about which services might best meet their needs in Havering, the most effective first step is contacting Havering Adult Social Services at 01708 432000 to request a comprehensive needs assessment. This professional evaluation will identify appropriate support services and establish eligibility for funded assistance.
Many local services like Certified Care also offer free initial consultations where Havering residents can discuss their specific circumstances and explore available options without commitment. Contact us now for any questions you may have.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Contact Havering Adult Social Services on 01708 432000 to request an assessment. Assessments are available to all Havering residents aged 18+ with care needs.
Yes, Disabled Facilities Grants of up to £30,000 are available for Hornchurch residents and throughout Havering. Contact the Home Improvement Team on 01708 434343.
Havering Community Transport provides door-to-door services for Upminster residents, and Upminster Baptist Church offers a dedicated transportation service for medical appointments.
The Havering Carers Hub holds regular sessions in Rainham and provides support, advice and respite services for all carers in Havering.
Havering Community Equipment Service provides aids and adaptations following an assessment. Contact 01708 433103 to arrange an assessment for Gidea Park residents.
