LOCAL voluntary organisations have been tasked with providing more care and support services for vulnerable adults in Suffolk. More than £2m of government money is spent in the county every year to provide “floating” care services for vulnerable people, such as those with mental health or substance abuse problems.

LOCAL voluntary organisations have been tasked with providing more care and support services for vulnerable adults in Suffolk.

More than £2m of government money is spent in the county every year to provide “floating” care services for vulnerable people, such as those with mental health or substance abuse problems.

The money is used to help and advise people when they need it and then floats to the next person as required.

Suffolk County Council has renegotiated its contracts in a move to ensure everybody receives the best possible service.

The money is used to help with budgeting, home management and to encourage independent living. It comes from central government and is awarded through Supporting People Suffolk, a group which works with the district and borough councils and NHS trusts.

A number of small groups, including Anglia Care Trust and the Family Welfare Association, have now joined together to offer better care services across the board.

Care providers in Waveney will receive £419,000 this year to help vulnerable people, with £295,000 being spent in the Suffolk coastal area and almost £143,000 in Forest Heath.

Councillor Graham Newman, the council's portfolio holder for adult and community services, said renegotiating the contracts will mean a better deal for the people who gain from and provide the services.