Home - Connect to Support

Sometimes, living independently isn’t easy. Trying to get or keep a home can be a real struggle, but there are a variety of different housing options and support services available in West Sussex that could make it easier for you to manage where you are or choose somewhere more suitable to move to.

You may be able to stay in your current home with a few changes.

If you like the area you are in and have a good network of support, it may be wisest to stay close. Could you move somewhere nearby? If you are a council or housing association tenant, you may be able to exchange your home for a smaller one.

If you need help to prevent a crisis, contact your local Citizens Advice or

Call Adviceline

Monday–Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm.

Phone: 0344 477 1171 (or 0300 330 0650 if calling from mobile)

Disability Facilities Grant

If you are disabled, you may be eligible for a disabled facilities grant to help you stay in your own home. Find out more about disabled facilities grants on the Disability Grants website.

Keeping your home warm

Insulating your home not only helps to keep you warm and healthy, but it will also help to keep your heating costs down.

  • Fit draught proofing to seal any gaps around windows and doors.
  • Make sure that your loft has at least 10 - 11 inches (270 mm) of insulation. Any home with 4 inches (100 mm) or less should have it topped up.
  • If you have wall cavities, make sure that they are insulated too.
  • Insulate your hot water cylinder and pipes.
  • Draw your curtains at dusk to help keep the heat generated inside your rooms
  • Make sure that your radiators are not obstructed by curtains or furniture.

Free home fire safety check

West Sussex Fire & Rescue can carry out free home fire safety checks on your home if you are older or vulnerable. They will offer advice on how to make you home safer and where appropriate fit smoke alarms and other specialist equipment.

To find out more or to book your visit call: 0800 328 6487

You can also find out about smoke alarms at on the West Sussex County Council website.

Further information and advice

If you, or someone you know, requires some additional help, go to our Care options section and find out more about the different options available to support you, such as sheltered and retirement housing and extra-care housing schemes.

If you are looking for housing advice or are concerned about a relative or friend, you can contact your district or borough council’s housing department.

Last updated: 13 December 2023

Websites you may be interested in

Elderly Accommodation Counsel (EAC)

is a national charity that aims to help older people make informed choices about meeting their housing and care needs.

Elderly Accommodation Counsel (EAC)

West Sussex County Council - housing

Your options if living in your own home is no longer possible and how to get help with housing benefit.

West Sussex County Council - Housing

Shelter

Advice about keeping your home warm Phone: 0808 800 4444

Shelter

Energy saving trust

Impartial advice about saving energy Phone: 0300 123 1234

Energy saving trust

West Sussex Affordable Energy

Advice and impartial information on how to make energy more affordable, created in partnership by the district and borough councils of West Sussex

West Sussex Affordable Energy