About Sheltered Housing

South Essex Homes manages a range of Sheltered Housing schemes on behalf of Southend-on-Sea City Council.

 

‘Part 2’ Sheltered Schemes 

The eligibility for these units is that the occupant must be aged over 60.  There are 988 units of ‘Part 2’ housing based at 20 sites across the City.  These units have access to the following:

  • a personal alarm system linked to Careline
  • secure entry system
  • communal lounge

Find out more about our Part 2 Sheltered Schemes

 

‘Part 1’ Sheltered Schemes   

The eligibility for these units is that the occupant must be aged over 50.  There are 474 units of ‘Part 1’ housing based at 14 sites across the City.

Find out more about our Part 1 Sheltered Schemes

Part 2 - Accommodation & Facilities

When you move into one of our sheltered schemes, you will have: 

  • An open-plan living area incorporating a contemporary style fitted kitchen, the majority of which have eye level oven and hob
  • A modern wet room, or bathroom with three-piece suite
  • Your own front entrance door with spy hole
  • Entrance hall, most with storage cupboard
  • Full gas central heating
  • 24 hour emergency alarm system
  • Smoke and fire detectors
  • Free communal Wi-Fi for internet access within the communal lounge (please note that you will need to set up your own broadband arrangements if required for use within your flat)

 

All of our sheltered schemes provide:

  • A door entry system for your security
  • A Lift/lifts
  • Car Parking facilities
  • A large communal lounge
  • Communal Kitchen
  • Communal Cloakrooms
  • Guest room - so you can invite visitors to stay
  • Laundry room/s
  • Communal Gardens

 

Some of our larger schemes offer additional communal facilities, such as:

  • Additional communal garden and/or patio area with outside seating
  • Hair care room with visiting hairdresser
  • Outside laundry drying area
  • Hobbies room
  • Library
  • Treatment Rooms

Part 2 - Social Activities

In addition to the excellent accommodation and communal facilities, residents of the sheltered schemes also enjoy a busy and varied programme of social activities.

Typical activities may include:

  • Arts and Crafts
  • Bingo
  • Keep Fit
  • Seasonal parties and entertainment
  • Fish and Chip Suppers
  • Carpet Bowls
  • Darts
  • Cards and Scrabble
  • Theatre trips
  • Guest speakers
  • Musical evenings
  • Cultural events
  • Tea and Coffee mornings

Part 2 - Rent and Other Charges

The amount of rent you will pay depends upon the size of the property you are offered.

Other charges may include:

  • Water rates
  • Heating (radiators and hot water) 
  • Services (for example mobile caretaking, cleaning of communal areas)

Please be assured that there will be no hidden costs – all applicable charges will be fully explained to you.

If you are on a low income, you may be entitled to Housing Benefit to help with your housing costs. 

Visit the Housing Benefit section of this website for more information.

How to apply to live in Sheltered Housing

Properties in schemes designated as sheltered housing by the Council will only be available to households who meet the requirements for this type of accommodation, e.g. the age threshold.

Applicants for sheltered housing will be subject to an assessment by the Council to establish the prospective tenant's suitability to live in their chosen Sheltered Housing community.

If you are over the age of 60 and you are a resident in the city of Southend-on-Sea, you may be eligible for Sheltered Housing. 

Consideration is also given to people who have a local connection as defined within the Council’s Allocation Policy.

If you are interested in living in one of the sheltered housing schemes managed by South Essex Homes, firstly you need to register your details and be accepted on the Council’s Housing Register.  Once you are registered, you can bid for properties which interest you.

Please visit the Council's On the Move website to start this process.

Don’t worry if you don’t have internet access or you require assistance, you can contact the Housing Solutions Team at the Council who will be happy to assist you through this process.  You can send them an email to housingsolutionsteam@southend.gov.uk or call them on 01702 215002.

If you are an existing tenant of Southend-on-Sea City Council living in a general needs property, then you can also contact our Housing Support Team on 0800 833 160 who will be happy to advise you on the next steps.  If you wish to down-size into a sheltered property, you may also be eligible for financial assistance to do so through our Tenant’s Incentive Scheme – you can find out more on the ‘downsizing’ page of this website.