Canterbury City Council has shown its caring face in the adoption of a strategy to help ensure the safety of vulnerable people.

The Supporting People programme aims to improve the quality of life of vulnerable people by enabling them to have greater independence and control in making choices in their lives.

Charlotte MacCaul, Liberal Democrat spokesman on housing and community, said "I am delighted that we are now able to put this strategy in place as I think it is really important that the vulnerable in society are given a voice when issues that effect there lives are discussed in Council". There is a strong relationship between good-quality housing and an individual’s health, well-being and quality of life. Supporting People promotes needs-led, flexible and high-quality housing-related support services which are cost-effective.

Liberal Democrat Leader, Cllr. Alex Perkins, said "It is high time that the needs of the vulnerable in our society are properly addressed. This excellent strategy which is aimed at helping, amongst others, older people, people with learning difficulties, ex-offenders and people with mental health problems, go some way to filling the black hole left by the Conservative’s "care in the Community" legislation. "Care in the Community" has failed and I think we all recognise that it resulted in care in custody and care on park benches. It left the vulnerable to sleep in parks. We can now move forward to help those most in need".

For further information please contact Cllr. Alex Perkins on 07818 403049.

Email : alex.perkins@canterbury.gov.uk

web : www.cantlibdem.com