BRADFORD Council is changing the way in which it arranges support for people living in their own home.

The change is part of the Health and Wellbeing Department’s Home First Strategy.

Home Support is the delivery of a wide range of personal care and support services to people in their own homes.

Support can range from a short visit to ensure that a person has taken prescribed medication through to personal care including support to get in an out of bed, toileting and meal preparation. The Council re-commissioned these services last year and began to implement the new contracts in April.

A spokesperson said: ‘We have deliberately invested in Home Support services within the District and the new Locality Support Contracts will create a number of small locality services specific to geographic areas.

"These smaller areas will provide a more locally-based service and allow the recruitment of staff that may not drive thus affording a reduction in the use of vehicles and ultimately the carbon footprint across the district.

"Additionally, the new contracts will also address the issue of very short call provision for example fifteen minute calls."

It may mean a change for some people, but the Council says it will contact everyone who will be affected.