We accept referrals from local authorities, probation services, NHS, adult social care, domestic abuse services, and partner agencies across Devon.
Torbay Council Housing Needs Team, Housing Options, and homelessness prevention services can refer individuals directly through our spot-purchase pathway.
Probation officers can refer prison leavers and individuals on community orders who need stable accommodation linked to compliance requirements.
Mental health teams, addiction services, hospital discharge teams, and adult social care can refer individuals who need supported housing as part of a care pathway.
Partner agencies such as FearFree and TDAS can refer survivors who need safe, confidential accommodation with structured support.
Recovery organisations, charities, and community groups can refer individuals they're supporting who need accommodation alongside continued engagement.
Individuals can also approach us directly. We will assess their needs and, where appropriate, work with them and relevant agencies to arrange a placement.
Referrer contacts us by phone or email with basic details about the individual and their circumstances.
We conduct a risk assessment and needs assessment to determine suitability and match the individual to an available placement.
The resident moves in, completes their induction, and is assigned a dedicated key-worker. Housing Benefit claims are submitted immediately.
Ongoing key-worker sessions, regular support plan reviews, and multi-agency liaison to ensure the placement is working and progress is being made.
Our service is for adults only. We do not accommodate families with children or unaccompanied minors.
Residents must be eligible for Housing Benefit or Universal Credit housing element to fund their placement.
Residents must be willing to engage with their key-worker, attend scheduled sessions, and work towards the goals in their support plan.
All referrals are subject to a risk and needs assessment. We will work with referrers to determine suitability and manage any identified risks.
Complete our secure referral form online, or contact us first if you would rather talk it through.
The form is sent over an encrypted connection and goes straight into our access-controlled case system. Only New Start staff can see it. We ask for information about health, substance use and risk because we need it to decide whether we can offer a safe placement — please make sure the person has agreed to the referral before you submit it. We aim to respond within two working days.