Broadacres is set to help even more people live independently after securing a major new housing-related support contract in North Yorkshire.
The new LIFE contract – which stands for Living Independently for Everyone – has been awarded by North Yorkshire Council following a competitive tender process and will see us more than double the number of people we support.
Starting in October 2026, the five-year contract will cover Scarborough, Ryedale, Hambleton and Richmondshire, with the option to extend for a further two years.
We currently provide mental health support to 61 people across these areas. Under the new contract, this will increase to up to 150 people by year four.
The new service will provide a combination of accommodation-based and floating support, helping people to maintain their independence, develop resilience and wellbeing, build practical life skills and sustain independent living.
Importantly, the new LIFE service will support a wider range of people than our existing mental health provision.
As well as people will mental health needs, support will be available to those experiencing multiple disadvantages and complex needs, which could include homelessness, substance misuse, autism and mild learning disabilities.
Katie Wharfedale, Broadacres’ Service Manager for Support Services, Extra Care and Sheltered Housing, said:
“This is a really exciting step forward for Broadacres and a significant vote of confidence from North Yorkshire Council in our supported services.
“The new LIFE contract will enable us to support a much wider group of people who may be struggling with a combination of challenges, not just a single issue.
“We’ll be growing our teams, making use of existing homes and working closely with partners such as mental health and substance misuse services to make sure people get the right support at the right time.
“Ultimately, it’s about helping people live independently, build life skills and move on into more stable, long-term housing.
“Because Broadacres already has a strong presence and a wide range of homes in these areas, we’re well placed to deliver this service and build on the experience we’ve developed over many years of supporting people with mental health and other complex needs.”
To support the expansion, we will be growing our support workforce and making greater use of our existing homes. This will include bringing empty properties back into use and reviewing homes that are no longer meeting general housing needs.
The accommodation element of LIFE will provide short-term housing, typically for one to two years, alongside tailored support to help people prepare to move into permanent accommodation.
Our floating support service will work with people living in their own homes or in homes provided by other landlords. This could include practical help with budgeting, maintaining a tenancy and accessing specialist services.
As we prepare to expand the service, we are recruiting Support Workers to join Broadacres and help us deliver LIFE across North Yorkshire.
Interested in joining us? Visit the Broadacres careers website to see our latest opportunities.
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