Housing
This page contains basic information on housing issues and explains how to find the sort of housing that might be suitable to an individual's needs. It also looks at issues about living abroad.
Home improvements
Information about home repairs, possible grants, adaptations that can help a person to continue living in their own home
Living independently
Provides information on the Essex County Council website about a range of specialist services to promote independent living, work, health, education and getting involved in the community. Services are accessed through specialist teams. Independent living is for people between 18 and 64 years of age.
Buy With Confidence
This an approved trader scheme which has been set up by the Essex Trading Standards Service. The Scheme covers Essex, Southend on Sea and Thurrock councils, and is part of a much wider scheme which is also operated in a number of neighbouring authorities, including Kent, the London Borough of Havering and the London Borough of Redbridge. In order to be accepted on to the scheme traders are audited by Trading Standards. This includes a check on any complaints made about the business, a Companies House search and a check to see if there any outstanding County Court Judgements against the company or its directors. Any workman entering a consumer's home has a Criminal Records Bureau check carried out, and their subcontractors either have a similar check, or are supervised at all times they are on site
Extra care housing
Good quality, affordable accommodation with communal facilities and around-the-clock on site support available to meet your care needs for the 55+ age group. Your own home for life, helping you to maintain your independence and allowing you choice of and control over your day-to-day living.
Essex Cares
This is a newly formed company which commenced trading during July 2009. Essex Cares is an innovative business model created by Essex County Council to provide services for people requiring care, support and assistance living in the community. Essex Cares is one of the Country's first Local Authority Trading Companies (LATC) for social care services designed to provide flexible service support to people who may require our services.
Supporting People in Essex
This is delivered by a range of 'not for profit' organisations, and commissions and monitors housing support services for vulnerable adults (16+). The support provided is aimed at improving the person's ability to live independently in their home/accommodation by providing them with the necessary skills.
Telecare Services
This supports people to live independently at home, as well as helping their carers to enjoy their own lives and independence. Telecare helps people who are usually, but not always, elderly or vulnerable to be independent by enabling them to call for assistance when they need it.
Home Support at Colchester Borough Homes
This is a free service for tenants and home owners aged 60 and over. It provides short term help to maintain their homes and to live independently within the community, and a wide range of services are all available online.
