Supported Living Schemes or Intentional Communities

There are advantages and disadvantages of Supported Living Schemes.

The advantages are:

  • You can live near or with other people with a learning disability or autistic person (if you would like to).
  • You can still have your independence with a support network in place.
  • Some intentional communities include opportunities to work or volunteer as part of the community
  • You might be living with people who have the same values or faith as you if that is important to you.

The disadvantages are:

  • It is not ‘ordinary’ housing so it may feel separate and different from what most people might choose.
  • You might be sharing with people you did not choose to live with.
  • You might not be sharing with people the same age as you.
  • You might not be sharing with people with the same needs as you.
  • You usually have to apply through social services.
  • In some cases you might not have the same legal rights to stay in your home as a tenant or home owner does