The Supported Living Property Podcast

In this episode Tina Davies and Lyndsey Todd the founders of Autizma, share their experiences of navigating the system advocating for their neuordiverse children and then how this led them to set up their own CIC. They explain how they have used their own experiences to support others and how Autizma has now evolved into a Housing CIC to create homes for people with a learning disability and/or au...

In this episode, Rianne Darko speaks honestly about the realities of care leavers’ housing, she explains the challenges young people who have been in care face and discusses some solutions.  She debunks the terminology and explains the different housing and support models.  Rianne Darko is a local government commissioner and a qualified secondary school teacher, with over 15 years’ experience work...

In this episode Christine Edwards- Daem discusses the housing needs of autistic people, she shares what is working for the people she supports and what is not working. She shares advice for property investors and developers interested in developing homes for autistic people and helps us all understand what is needed now and what are some of the challenges we may face in the future. Christine Edwar...

In this episode Stephen Unwin discusses learning disability from a historical and cultural perspective. He challenges us to think differently and discusses whether it is right to lump learning disabilities and autism together in a way that has become so common. He discusses the impact of positivity and enablement culture of those who have profound disability.  This is an important listen for anyon...

In this episode Tanya Farley shares her experience of creating a supported living home for her son and two other young men. She explains how she took her vision and managed to get the local authority to use plots on a new build estate, that were allocated for affordable homes, to create a purpose built home. Tanya describes in detail some of the changes that were required to create the property an...

In this episode Michael Hinett discusses the proliferation of "consultants", "experts" "tender writers" and "trainers" offering to help people set up as supported living providers. He explains  why this is an issue, how people are being scammed and what you can do to protect yourself. If you are looking to set up as a provider make sure you take the time to access this episode so you can ensure yo...

In this episode Adam Gowland draws on his experience as a commissioner and as a developer of supported housing to explain the realities of developing property for supported living. We discuss issues around planning, unit sizes, decision making, timescales and adaptations. We do also share the benefits and why this is such an important and much needed space to invest in. Adam has had a varied caree...

In this episode Jean Templeton Chief Executive of St Basils, a charity supporting young people in the West Midlands, shares how they have developed an innovative housing model to support young people who are working. She explains the successes and challenges of getting this set up and how they have managed to develop housing that is a truly affordable for young people on apprenticeships. Jean disc...

In this episode I invite Michael Hinett back to provide an update on our "How to get started as a supported living provider" episode from 2022. This episode has had over 21,000 views and so we thought it was time to update it. In this episode we cover how to get started as a supported living provider in 2025, we discuss what you need to know, whether it has got harder, changes to CQC reg...

In this episode Louise Keevil explains the issues facing young people transitioning from residential settings and how her experience with this led her to co-found a charity which is working to give young people a voice in choosing where they live. This episode explores the issues around choice in housing and shares a great tool that you can use with the people you support. Louise Keevil has many y...

In this episode Nic Crosby explains all about the Small Supports programme, he shares the benefits in terms of quality of life but also the significant cost savings in supporting people in this way. Nic explains the issues they have encountered finding property and some of the ways they have overcome this.  I apologise about the video quality in the episode; my wifi decided to be a bit glitchy! Ni...

In this episode Eleanor Tallon explains the Deprivation of Liberty process, shares tips for providers who are working through the process and helps us understand the safeguards that must be in place. Eleanor explains how we often get the terminology wrong and why using the correct terminology is so important. Eleanor Tallon is a highly skilled Independent Social Worker, Best Interest Assessor, and...

In this episode Alice Wright explains the challenges facing housing associations that are not registered with the Regulator of Social Housing, she explains what the issues are, why its not simple to register as a Registered Provider and a different solution that is available. This will help property investors and care/support providers understand the different housing association and some of the p...

In this episode David Abbey explains two different ways that people with long term disabilities can secure mortgages and buy their own home, even if they do not have mental capacity. This is an important episode as it opens up possibility of home ownership for people who may not think it is an option for them. It may be of interest to parents, carers and organisations supporting people with a long...

In this episode Dr Simon Duffy talks about his experience creating homes for people with a learning disability since the late 1980's. He discusses the different approaches he has developed and been involved with and uses this wealth of experience to challenge today's practice.  This important conversation is informative but it is also a thought provoking episode that challenges you to think differ...

In this episode Alice Wright explains why the Court of Protection may need to be involved with some supported living tenants, she explains the process that organisations may need to work through and why this is currently a causing issues for some tenants. Alice also explains about Deprivation of Liberty and the process for this. This is an important session for any provider or property investor wh...

In this episode commissioner Adam Gowland shares his advice for property investors who want to invest in supported living, He gives guidance about how to approach commissioners and what to not say! He also gives advice for care and support providers who want to work with commissioners. Adam has had a varied career in the public sector, starting out as an advocate for children leaving care before g...

In this episode Chris Wild explains how we can get property and support right for young people in care and how we can get it so wrong and the difference it can make. Chris draws on his own experience in care to support young people and campaign to improve outcomes for some of our most vulnerable young people.  This is an inspiring episode that is an important listen for anyone interested in this s...

In this episode I am joined by Professor Vikki McCall, she talks about housing stigma and the importance of planning for an aging population. Vikki shares how she and co-founder Alasdair Rutherford have developed an innovative game bringing together a range of parties to play out different approaches to housing strategy. She explains how this is being implemented and the impact it is having across...

In this episode Suzannah Young, Policy Officer for the National Housing Federation explains the issues that many housing associations are facing. She discusses the impact of the budget, what decommissioning is and how it is affecting services and she shares the actual numbers of current provision of supported housing accommodation and what the future demand is predicted to be. Suzannah Young is a...

In this episode Jane Byford shares how she is working to get people with a learning disability and/or autism out of secure units and into their own homes.  She explains how she does this by getting the right property to meet people's needs and she shares some inspiring stories of how peoples lives can be transformed.  Jane has been at the forefront of supporting individuals with Learning Disabilit...

In this episode local authority commissioner, Steve Bardsley shares how he has helped to establish a small supports service in Leeds, creating new services which take a person centred approach to create homes and support for those who have higher needs.  Steve Bardsley has been working to improve the lives and outcomes for people with a learning disability for 38 years. He was involved in two succ...

In this episode Sam Cooper discusses the practicalities of leasing properties to supported living providers, he shares challenges he has encountered and gives great advice for anyone thinking of leasing property to supported living providers. Sam is a dedicated family man and seasoned entrepreneur with over 18 years of experience in building and scaling SMEs. Throughout his career, he has navigate...

In this episode Andy Robinson explains how taking a completely different approach to providing support and homes has led to some incredible outcomes for the people they support.  Andy has drawn on his vast social care background to develop tools that help the people they support have a life that includes being a meaningful part of their community.  He shares the role the right property can play an...

In this episode Jo Robinson shares her experience of running supported living accommodation for 16-18 year olds.  She talks about challenges in the sector and the implications of the recent changes requiring Ofsted registration. Jo explains the types of property that are needed for this age group and what she looks for in property.  Lisa Brown  became a property investor after a long nursing caree...