2.1 Access information and advice to support an individual to move and settle into a new home environment

This guide will help you answer 2.1 Access information and advice to support an individual to move and settle into a new home environment.

Helping someone move and settle into a new home needs good preparation. Accessing accurate information and useful advice makes the process smoother and less stressful for everyone involved. This step is not just about finding a new address—it’s about understanding the person’s needs, choices, and rights as they move. As a care worker, knowing where to find information and how to get advice is vital.

In this guide, we will look at the most helpful sources and practical ways to gather and use information to support an individual through their move.

Local Authority and Social Services

Local authorities provide a wealth of information, especially for those who need care and support.

Here’s how they help:

• Housing departments can offer advice on housing options and applications. They help with council housing, sheltered accommodation, and supported living.
• Social workers can assess needs, recommend suitable housing, and support with care planning.
• Adult social care teams or children’s services often share leaflets or online information. They provide details on moving procedures, rights, waiting lists, and available support.
• Local authority websites typically have sections on housing, social care, and moving processes. These offer contact numbers, downloadable forms, and guidance.

Contacting your local social services directly ensures the advice relates to your area and the individual’s circumstances.

Health Professionals

Health needs play a big part in choosing the right home environment.

Relevant sources include:

• GPs and hospital staff, who can write reports or advise on health needs and risks.
• Occupational therapists, who assess homes for safety and access, and advise on adaptations or equipment.
• Community nurses or discharge teams, who plan safe transfer from hospital to new accommodation.

They may provide written assessments, medical histories, medication lists, and advice for ongoing care.

Housing Providers and Associations

Housing associations and specialist providers offer advice specific to their properties.

Look for:

• Application guides for supported or sheltered housing.
• Help with housing benefit claims or rent agreements.
• Tours of potential homes to help the individual and family make informed choices.
• Guides to tenancy rights, tenancy agreements, and complaints procedures.

Staff at these organisations often have dedicated workers who support new tenants through the moving process.

Charities and Voluntary Organisations

Many voluntary groups support people through housing difficulties, moves, and adjustment.

Examples:

• Shelter offers advice on homelessness, tenancy rights, and finding temporary housing.
• Age UK helps older people with moving advice, financial support, and settling into new home environments.
• Mind, Rethink Mental Illness, and other mental health charities guide those with mental health needs when moving.
• Disability Rights UK and Scope offer information for disabled individuals about accessible housing and adaptation grants.
• Citizens Advice Bureau provides guidance on legal rights, tenancy problems, benefits, and more.

Most charities have free websites, helplines, and locally-based support workers.

Specialist Advocacy Services

Advocates help people understand their options, voice their wishes, and protect their rights.

How they help:

• Explaining complex documents and decisions
• Attending meetings to support the individual
• Making sure the person’s preferences shape the choices
• Giving information about appeals or complaints if things go wrong

Advocates are especially important for individuals with communication needs, learning disabilities, or those lacking capacity.

Legal and Financial Advisors

Legal and money issues often affect a move.

Where to go:

• Solicitors can explain tenancy law, contracts, or house sales.
• Financial advisors can help claim housing benefit, access grants, or budget for new living costs.
• The Money Advice Service and local Citizens Advice provide free, impartial advice about financial support and entitlements.

Bringing in expert help protects the individual from exploitation or confusion.

Online Information

Websites provide up-to-date information and resources.

Trustworthy sources include:

• NHS websites for health needs and community care
• GOV.UK for government guidance on housing, benefits, and rights
• Directory websites for local support services

When using websites:

• Check they are official or from known charities
• Download or print materials as needed
• Ask for help if the person struggles to use the internet

Not everyone is confident with computers; help may be needed to access online support.

Printed Materials and Local Resources

Leaflets, booklets, and information boards in community centres, libraries, or GP surgeries are valuable, particularly for those not using the internet.

Examples:

• Information packs about local services
• Step-by-step guides to moving home
• Lists of useful contacts
• Posters advertising support groups and events

Care workers can gather these materials and review them with the individual.

Practical Steps for Accessing Information

To support someone well, follow these practical steps:

• Write down the person’s key questions and concerns to guide your search.
• Make a list of agencies, services, and professionals relevant to the individual’s situation.
• Contact each organisation, ask for printed information or web links, and clarify anything that’s unclear.
• Visit advice sessions or drop-in clinics together if possible.
• Record important information in the person’s care or support plan.
• Share key facts with the person, their family, and other carers in a clear and simple way.

Involving the Individual in Information Gathering

The person moving should be involved at every stage:

• Give them choices about what information they want or need.
• Explain or break down written details if needed.
• Review options together and discuss any worries.
• Use visual aids, translations, or easy-read versions for accessibility.
• Encourage questions and follow their lead where possible.

This approach promotes dignity, control, and confidence in the moving process.

Using Information to Plan Support

All information gathered should shape a plan tailored to the person.

A good plan considers:

• The person’s health, mobility, and any risks
• Financial needs and support entitlements
• Access to healthcare, social activities, and transport
• Personal preferences about location, environment, and support

Keep information up to date, and adapt the support plan if the person’s needs change.

Working with a Team

No one needs to face the move alone. Good teamwork supports the individual and brings together everyone involved in care, health, and housing.

Effective teamwork includes:

• Sharing useful information with consent
• Regular team meetings to coordinate support
• Agreeing who will address each part of the moving process

This approach keeps the person at the centre and prevents important details from being missed.

Final Thoughts

Accessing information and advice means:

• Using local authority, health, housing, charity, advocacy, and legal resources
• Looking online, in person, and using printed materials
• Involving the individual fully
• Sharing and acting on the information as a team

With the right information and advice, you can support a move that honours the individual’s choices, keeps them safe, and helps them settle successfully. Your role is to connect the person to support, explain options clearly, and make sure every need is considered for a smooth transition.