Illustration of neighbours welcoming someone into a new home.

01 / When you arrive

Start with the essentials.

Moving into somewhere new can mean taking in a lot of information. Staff can help you understand the accommodation and complete the initial information needed to support you. Tell them if there is something you need help with straight away.

Your room and keys

Ask how the keys and entrance work, where the shared facilities are and who to contact if you cannot get into your home. Check anything you are unsure about before staff leave.

Your paperwork

Go through your licence agreement and support information with staff. Ask them to explain the charges, the house arrangements and anything you do not understand. Keep your copies somewhere you can find them.

Safety information

Ask staff to show you the fire-safety information, exits and emergency instructions for your property. Find the house noticeboard and make sure you know where its contact numbers are.

Who to ask

Find out who your support worker is, how to contact them through their work contact details and which number to use when they are not available.

A useful question

“Could you show me where the important information is, and talk me through what I need to know today?”

Illustration of welcoming homes and their neighbours.

02 / As you settle in

Get to know your home.

Aspect's accommodation normally includes your own room and shared communal facilities. A few early conversations can help you understand how things work in your particular house.

  • Shared spaces: ask about using the kitchen, washing facilities, bins and any shared cleaning arrangements.
  • Living with others: be considerate of other residents, their belongings and personal space. Ask staff about the house rules and visitor arrangements before inviting someone over.
  • Looking after your room: keep it clean, take care of the property and tell staff about anything that needs attention.
  • Something is not working: ask your support worker or the office how to report the problem. Explain where it is and what you have noticed.
  • Finding your way around: ask about local shops, transport and community places that are useful to you.

If a letter, an instruction or a conversation is difficult to understand, ask for it to be explained. Tell staff what would make communication easier for you.

Illustration of a resident and support worker planning manageable next steps.

03 / During your first week

Begin with what matters to you.

You will be allocated a support worker. Your conversations help identify what you need support with and what you would like to work towards. Weekly support sessions are part of living with Aspect.

You might want to talk about getting organised, understanding letters, attending appointments, managing everyday money, looking for learning opportunities or feeling more connected locally. You do not need a finished plan before the conversation begins.

  • Check when and where your next support session will take place.
  • Choose one or two things you would like to discuss first.
  • Tell your worker about appointments or practical tasks you would like help preparing for.
  • Ask about activities you might enjoy and what help you need to take part.
  • Agree a small next step and how you will return to it together.
Understand your support sessions
Illustration of a resident and worker reading a guide together.

My settling-in checklist.

Tick off the things you have covered. You can use this as a reminder during a conversation with staff. Your ticks are not saved or sent to Aspect.

Illustration of neighbours finding local support with a community worker.

Keep the right contacts close.

Use the work contact details given to you by your support worker. If you cannot reach them, contact the Aspect office and explain what you need help with. The contact page also lists out-of-hours support and office information.

For concerns about your experience, use the complaints and feedback page. You can also ask staff to help you understand the process.