BROMLEY LEARNING DISABILITY HUB
Home and independence
Living independently and housing
Contents
1. Direct payments
What is it?
Money from the council to help you choose your own care and support.
How it helps:
- You choose who helps you
- You decide what support you need
- Helps you live more independently
2. Money and finances
What is money?
- Money is what we use to pay for things
- You might have coins, notes, or money in the bank
Budgeting (Planning your money)
A budget is a plan and help you:
- Make sure you have enough money for important things
- Include rent, bills, food, travel
- Stop you from running out of money
- Save for things you want
Using a Bank
A bank can help you:
- Keep money safe
- Pay bills and take out money
- Save money
Things you might use:
- Bank card
- PIN number – a secret number only you should know
- Online banking – using the internet to look at your money
Benefits and support you might get
Some people with a learning disability can get extra help with money.
This may include:
- Universal Credit
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Council Tax reduction
- Help with rent (Housing Benefit or Universal Credit housing costs)
You can get help applying for benefits from:
- A support worker
- Citizens Advice
- Your local council
Paying for things
You can pay for things in different ways:
- Cash (coins and notes)
- Card
- Contactless
- Online
Important:
- Only buy from places you trust
- Keep your bank details private
- Do not give your PIN to anyone
- Do not click on strange links online
Keeping your money safe
- Be careful of scams and fake messages
- Tell someone you trust if something feels wrong
Learn more on the Staying Safe page.
Getting help with money
Ask someone you trust:
- A family member
- A support worker
- An appointee (someone allowed to manage your benefits)
- A bank support adviser
It is OK to ask for help.
Saving money
Saving money means keeping some money for later.
You can save for:
- Holidays
- Clothes
- Emergencies
It is OK to ask for help.
Where to get help
Places that can help you with money:
- Citizens Advice – free help with money and benefits
- Bromley Mencap Cost of Living Project – help with benefits, debt, and managing money, with one-to-one and group support
- Your bank
- Your support worker
3. Housing options and different ways to live
People with a learning disability have a right to live in the community with everyone else and make choices about the way they live.
They should be able to choose where they live and who they live with.
Supported living – What is it?
You live in your own home or flat and get help when you need it.
Support can include:
- Cooking and cleaning
- Personal care
- Managing money
- Going out safely
Residential care
What is it?
You live in a home with other people and get care all the time.
It includes:
- Your own room
- Staff to help you 24/7
- Help with eating, washing, and health
Bromley Extra Care Housing – What is it?
Suitable for those aged 55 and over with various needs. Live in your own flat with care onsite.
Options:
- Bromley Extra Care Housing– For people over 55
- Regency Court– Retirement flats with care and fun activities
- Ageing Well in Bromley – Support for older people to stay healthy and safe
- Adult care and support services directory – information on services available to older adults
Home Care (Domcare) – What is it?
A range of services to help people with a disability or illness stay independent in their own homes.
Services:
- Bromley Council Home Care – Help with washing, dressing, and meals
- TUcare – Special care at home, including dementia care
- Domiciliary and Home Care Charges – Information about paying for care
Finding the right home
They can support you with:
- Finding the right home
- Getting the help you need
- Staying safe, happy, and independent
- Managing your money and health
- Joining fun activities
- Getting support with everyday things
Things to think about:
- How much help do you need every day?
- Do you want to live near your family or friends?
- Are there shops, buses, and doctors nearby?
Housing register
What is it?
This is a list you can join if you need help to find a safe and supported place to live in Bromley.
How to apply
Apply online at Bromley Housing Portal
For more information, email: Bromleyhomeseekers@bromley.gov.uk
Note: Joining the housing register does not guarantee a social home. You may still need to rent privately.
4. Community support
Support workers – What do they do?
Help to do everyday things in your local area.
Support workers can help you:
- Go shopping
- Visit friends
- Go to the doctor
- Stay active and independent
Bromley Mencap Cost of Living Project
What is it?
A service that gives advice and support with money.
They can help you with:
- Money and benefits
- Debt and bills
- Budgeting and managing your money
- One-to-one support and group sessions
What is it?
A service that gives advice and support.
They can help you with:
- Finding a home
- Money and benefits
- Health and wellbeing
- Daily tasks
5. Travel training
Build your confidence in using buses and trains safely and independently.
Options:
- CASPA Bromley – For people who are neurodiverse
- Education Travel Assistance – For students with an Education, Health and Care plan
6. Short breaks – respite
You can have a short break away from home.
This is called a short break or respite.
It means:
- You can stay somewhere safe for a short time.
- You can do fun activities.
- You can get help with learning new things.
- Your family or carers can also have a rest.
Agincare offers short stays, help with activities, and learning support
Address: 118 Widmore Road, Bromley, BR1 3BE
Phone: 020 8464 3920