A Supported Housing Interview with Lucy Johnson for Starts at Home Day 2025

Every Friday 29th of August, the Starts at Home campaign hold their #StartsAtHome day, a day of advocacy for those who rely on supported housing to live happy, healthy, and free lives. This day also offers an opportunity to petition the government for further security and longevity measures to protect the recipients and providers of this key service. This #StartsAtHome day, we had the unique opportunity to speak with Lucy Johnson, Head of Housing for Housing Initiatives, about the unique benefits, day to day realities, and challenges facing supported housing.

Can you introduce yourself and describe your role in the supported housing scheme?

My name is Lucy Johnson, I am Head of Housing for Housing Initiatives, part of the Expect Ltd Group. I oversee all housing related activities for the organisation across our supported properties including Prima’s. My day to day role varies and includes things such as Housing Benefit, Tenancy Creation, CORE reporting and ensuring we comply with our Management Agreements.

At Expect Ltd, our mission is to help to deliver person-centred support to people with a disability, promoting and enabling their independent choice and integration into the community. Expect celebrated its 35th anniversary last year- a milestone we are extremely proud of.

How long have you worked in supported housing, and what drew you to this field?

I have worked for the company for what will be 11 years next month. I actually fell into this field, as I was a receptionist at a multiple organisation third sector building. An Admin Assistant role came up with one of the charities occupying the building - Housing Initiatives UK Ltd.

Over the years I have gained extensive knowledge in different aspects of housing including construction, funding, repairs and compliance, which fuelled my passion even further – I even spend a lot of my personal time doing DIY at home.

From your perspective, what are the biggest benefits of supported housing for tenants?

Tenants having their own tenancy with their own rights. This ensures they have security and home to call their own, with tailored support around them from Expect Ltd to maintain it.

This enables individuals who may otherwise be placed in institutionalised care or have to live with family indefinitely, to live an independent life if they wish to.

Expect’s vision of a world where disability has no limitations is embedded within the organisations culture making it a positive, impactful place for support staff to work. 

Can you share a success story or an example of how supported housing has changed someone’s life?
Tenant Ryan enjoys fishing and has recently gained his fishing license along with fishing rods, seats and equipment, all that he requires to start fishing regularly.

Ryan chooses what he wants to do with his days and staff discuss this with him in helping organise his week. Fishing is a top priority!

Staff know the fishing sites where Ryan can fish and have directions on how to get him there. Ryan also knows where he can get his fishing bait from. He enjoys having competitions with support staff around who catches the most fish!

Karen, Ryan’s sister has some lovely words about Expect and the support that Ryan receives. She says:

“My brother is supported so he can achieve his dreams and aspirations, the relationships and interactions he has with his team are incredible. He is also supported to maintain his family relationships which is really positive. The team around my brother are flexible, they demonstrate kindness, empathy, calmness and they have a very good understanding of his needs. They are very much appreciated”. 

Of course, these benefits and the positive impacts of the scheme are accompanied by hurdles that tenants and support workers overcome together.

What are some common challenges tenants face, and how does the supported housing scheme help address them?

Tenants in supported living are often eligible for housing benefit, however the application process can be overwhelming if you are unfamiliar.

Expect Ltd ensure tenants who do not have an appointee/ lack capacity are supported to apply for housing benefit. All rents are managed by Expect to ensure tenants do not fall into arrears with their landlord, such as Prima.

What kind of activities or programs do you offer to promote social inclusion and wellbeing?
Expect Ltd has a Community Centre in Seaforth – The Bowersdale Centre. It has a range of facilities available in a safe environment including, a gym and sensory room. There is also a large hall and outdoor space that is used to host events for tenants and referred individuals throughout the year. Keep an eye on our socials for the next event!

The systemic challenges that affect tenants of supported housing are felt just as much by those who work in the field, but so are the benefits. We asked about how careers in supported housing can change lives.

What do you find most rewarding about working in supported housing?

When signing up an individual to their tenancy, they can often be stressed with the move - as we all are when our entire life is in boxes! However, once they have settled in, met staff and other tenants the transformation is day and night.
I feel proud to see tenants come out of their shell. Giving someone a legal right to a home to call their own is one of the most rewarding things I think anyone could do.

How has your work in supported housing influenced your views on the importance of social support systems?

I recognise the importance a having someone to turn to for support can have, whether that be family, friends or support workers. Which is why the communities built up in supported living properties is a lifeline of support to many.

What improvements or changes would you like to see in the supported housing sector?

Tighter regulations via Regulator of Social Housing on Housing Providers around rents and service charges to benefit the tenants.

Find out more about Expect Ltd through their website or their Facebook page

This year for #StartsAtHome day, Prima Group are advocating for three key points to be addressed in future for the longevity and safety of Supported Housing:

1. An urgent commitment to long-term, sustainable funding for support services in supported homes at the Autumn Budget and forthcoming housing & homelessness strategies.

2. The creation of an emergency fund for supported housing support services to prevent more schemes from having to close their doors.

3. The allocation of enough Social and Affordable Homes Programme funding to meet rising demand for new supported and older persons’ housing, and to make it easier for small organisations to bid.

Research shows that without supported housing, NHS hospital beds would face 110,000 more days of delayed discharge, and 41,000 more people would face homelessness. Anyone could encounter circumstances that result in needing supported housing to keep a positive quality of life.

If you, or someone you know, have had your life changed positively by supported housing schemes, we’d like to hear from you. Share your story with the hashtag #StartsAtHome or #SaveOurSupportedHousing to show your support and have your voice heard.