A sheltered housing scheme is made up of a group of unfurnished flats specially built or adapted for older or disabled people. It is not an elderly people's home.

Anyone who is over 55 and wants support in maintaining their independence can apply. In some cases younger people may also qualify.

There is a resident sheltered housing manager living in all sheltered schemes and in some cases housing association schemes, the sheltered housing manager provides a support service to sheltered residents during normal office hours.

Applicants must be eligible for housing, and will be visited to assess their need for this specialist housing service. Sheltered housing is usually only offered to people who would benefit from having the services of a warden/scheme manager and the other facilities provided.

Most schemes have a common room, a tenant's laundry and a lift. Some flats are specifically designed for people using wheelchairs. Sheltered tenants have a charge added to their rents which contributes to the cost of providing these services. Housing Benefit may cover this charge.

People who are homeless and wish to move into sheltered housing should contact Sanctuary Housing (Formerly Riviera Housing Trust)  to discuss their eligibility and application to join the scheme.

Housing Association tenants who wish to move into sheltered housing should contact their housing association to discuss their eligibility and application to join the scheme.

People who are not tenants of council housing and who wish to move into sheltered housing should contact Sanctuary Housing (Formerly Riviera Housing Trust)  to discuss their eligibility and application to join the scheme.

If you are homeless and require help or advice please contact the Housing Advice and Homelessness Service.