ForHousing have launched a new service that will enhance the organisations current support offer providing intensive housing related support to tenants for the first 12 months of their tenancy. With the introduction of this new tenancy support service, we are aiming to shift resources from a reactive crisis intervention model to a more preventative and supportive model that will increase the chances of tenancies being sustained so we can continue to positively impact the lives of tenants and deliver customer focused services.
Cat Taylor, Homeless Prevention and Partnerships Lead, talks about the new programme and how we will provide tenancy support to those tenants who may be at risk of losing their home or maintaining their tenancy. We have also pulled together some FAQs about the service.
1
What is the New Tenancy Support Service?
It is a service that is shaped around a tenant’s needs, offering information, advice and housing related support commencing before the tenancy begins, at the sign-up point and for the first 12 months of their tenancy.
We know from feedback that the initial sign-up process for a tenant can be stressful and overwhelming as there is a lot of information for new tenants to take on board, we also know this can be even more overwhelming if people have additional needs or personal issues. This new service will help tenants with the challenges they may face when setting up a new home. From setting up utilities, navigating the benefits system to paying rent and bills and supporting around maintaining the tenancy.
2
How is this different from the TSS service?
The New Tenancy Support Service is available for tenants from the pre tenancy interview stage. Building a positive relationship will enable us to form positive, healthy and trusting relationships with new tenants from day one. Whilst similar to our existing TSS service, this service is around the delivery of preventative support tailored to an individuals needs, in advance of a crisis occurring thereby setting tenancies up to be strong, successful and sustainable from the offset.
3
Is the service available to all tenants?
No, this service is only available to new tenants and those we know may benefit from having a dedicated Housing Support Officer. The service will offer approximately one hour of support per week. At present the service is only available to Salford tenants but following full implementation of the team we have plans to extend the service to other localities.
4
How do you identify which tenant will be at risk of losing their home?
We understand from our data that there are known factors that may lead to tenancies ending within the first 12 months and specific household types may need more help or assistance in sustaining their tenancy. This includes those who may have previously been homeless, recently left supported accommodation, taking on a first time tenancy or have required support and intervention in the past.
Any tenancy support that is required will be identified as part of the the pre-tenancy interview process, and we understand that some tenants may have multiple, whereas others will have less. The interview will help us provide a tailored support service dependant on the tenant needs.
5
What will the tenancy support service help tenants with?
This will be dependant on the tenants needs but some of the things we will help with include:
- Setting up household bills
- Managing household income
- Signposting to partners for different types of support such as debt advice, mental health support
- Support to access Welfare Benefits
- Accessing training and employment opportunities
- Reducing isolation and making local connections
- A friendly listening ear and guidance on hand via a dedicated Housing Support Officer
6
s there a new team who looks after this service?
The new service will be implemented over a 12 month period. Once established the team in Salford will comprise of 2 Team Leaders and 10 Housing Support Officers. Each Housing Support Officer will work with a small case load to allow for intensive housing support to be delivered over a period of up to 12 months for new tenants.
7
How long does the service last?
The service will usually last 12 months, however in exceptional circumstances the support can be provided slightly longer than this, dependant upon the tenants needs.
If you would like any further information on the New Tenancy Support Service, you can contact NTSS@forhousing.co.uk
