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More people with mental health and complex support needs across parts of North Yorkshire are set to receive help after a housing association secured a major new contract to expand its services.
Broadacres Housing Association has been awarded the five-year LIFE (Living Independently for Everyone) contract by North Yorkshire Council to provide housing-related support in Scarborough, Ryedale, Hambleton, and Richmondshire beginning in October.
Katie Wharfedale, Broadacres’ service manager for support services, extra care, and sheltered housing, said: "This is a really exciting step forward for Broadacres and a significant vote of confidence from North Yorkshire Council in our support services.
"The new LIFE contract will enable us to support a much wider group of people who may be struggling with a combination of challenges, not just a single issue.
"We’ll be growing our teams, making use of existing homes, and working closely with partners such as mental health and substance misuse services to make sure people get the right support at the right time.
"Ultimately, it’s about helping people live independently, build life skills, and move on into more stable, long‑term housing."
The contract, with the potential to extend for an additional two years, will more than double Broadacres’ service capacity.
The association currently supports 61 people, but this could rise to 150 by the fourth year of the contract.
Support will be provided through both accommodation-based services and expanded floating support, helping individuals develop practical skills, maintain tenancies, and avoid homelessness or hospital admission.
The LIFE contract broadens the referral criteria beyond mental health, allowing the service to support those facing multiple disadvantages such as homelessness, substance misuse, autism, mild learning disabilities, and other complex needs.
To meet increased demand, Broadacres will expand its support workforce and maximise the use of its existing housing stock, including bringing empty homes back into use and reviewing properties no longer suitable for general needs housing.
Ms Wharfedale said the organisation’s established presence in these areas positioned it well to deliver the service.
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She said: "Because Broadacres already has a strong presence and a wide range of homes in these areas, we’re well placed to deliver this service and to build on the experience we’ve developed over many years of supporting people with mental health and other multi-disadvantaged needs."
The accommodation element of the service will provide short-term housing—typically one to two years—alongside tailored support to help individuals transition into permanent accommodation.
The floating support service will also assist people living in their own homes or with other landlords, offering practical help with budgeting, tenancy sustainment, and access to specialist services.