Langford Support Services was founded in 1976 by Mr. John Langford. He was originally concerned about the wellbeing of people who were to be transitioned from Willow Court and Royal Derwent Hospital to the community. This led to the purchase of one boarding house, and over the years grew to more homes, with larger premises in Macquarie Street, then relocation to Newtown in 1990. In 2000, the name of the service was changed from Community Hostels to Langford Support Services to fulfil the wishes of the original residents who insisted that the name ‘Langford’ be used to acknowledge the founder of the service and the impact he had made to their lives. In the words of one resident, Mr. Langford provided her not only a place to live, but a home. Over the last 31 years increased focus has been placed on meeting individual client needs, ensuring that John Langford's original vision of supporting people to create a comfortable home, and to participate in the day to day activities within their community is maintained and remains sustainable.

Langford is funded by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and is responsible for the provision of a range of supports and services for Tasmanians with intellectual, physical, sensory and dual disabilities, neurological impairments and acquired brain injury. Financially, the service is also derived from brokerage services for respite support and additional income is from fees for emergency and transitional support from paying clients.

Within the organisation, staff provide information, advice and short-term assistance through a range of programs, working within a case management and key worker model. Langford Support Services has extensive experience in identifying specialized needs of individuals and in designing program and support plans that provide a consistent approach to goal achievement. We have a strong history and philosophy in holistic client care, working within a biopsychosocial model. From the moment of referral, the organisation establishes individual planning towards service provision. Service delivery is flexible and tailored to meet individual needs, their health and overall wellbeing. This includes a focus on all relevant life areas; accommodation, training, social networks, family support, employment, financial stability, sexuality, community access, child access and relationship development, recreation, psychological well being and therapeutic options, legal and long term future planning.

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