The cost of living continues to impact many households. Rising food, fuel, and energy prices can make everyday life increasingly difficult.  

We want tenants to know that we are here to help in challenging times. 

Through our Live Well fund, we’re able to support people with advice and financial assistance, to help them access life’s essentials when they need them. 

In 2024/25, we supported 1,648 tenants by providing more than £185,000 worth of help to tenants across Salford, Knowsley, Oldham and beyond. This included: 

• Over £68,000 for food 
• More than £18,000 for fuel 
• £8,277 towards furniture and white goods 
• £6,739 to help people deal with pests 
• And £6,390 for other essential items 

We also worked with the Torus Foundation to issue fuel vouchers worth an additional £92,414. 

But behind every number is a real person, facing real challenges.  

Below are some of the real-life stories of Live Well funding in action, and what a difference it can make to people’s lives.  

Lauren, one of our Neighbourhood Officers, visited a tenant after neighbours raised concerns about the condition of their home. She found the home was in an extremely poor state, with rubbish, flies and animal waste throughout. 

The tenant, who was struggling with their mental and physical health, had recently had their medication stopped. Their situation had spiralled – but they hadn’t known where to turn. 

Lauren said: 

“When I visited, I realised the tenant had no basic cleaning supplies at all – no bin bags, mop, bucket or even a brush. I used Live Well funding there and then, went to B&M, and bought him the essentials he needed to begin making a change. He was tearful – just so grateful that someone cared.” 

Lauren worked with other agencies to help, making referrals to Adult Social Care and our Tenancy Sustainment Team (TSS). Together with his social worker, she’s helping the tenant work towards a deep clean and build the skills to maintain his home in the long term. 

“He’s now been to his GP, restarted his medication and visited the job centre to check his Universal Credit is in order. He’s even looking to apply for a Personal Independence Payment (PIP). He told me he’d been suicidal until we stepped in – and now, every two weeks, we look at how far he’s come. There’s still work to do, but he’s hopeful.” 

Neighbourhood Officer Mark was contacted by a tenant in distress. Her 14-year-old daughter had just given birth and was struggling to access the support she needed. 

Using Live Well funding, Mark helped with emergency food and fuel vouchers and signposted the family to other sources of help, including food banks and the local Household Support Fund. 

The tenant said: 

“ForHousing was the only organisation that really listened and helped.” 

Mark also arranged the removal of large items from her garden that she couldn’t manage herself, helping her avoid falling foul of tenancy conditions and reducing the stress on the whole household. 

Everyone goes through tough times – tenants don’t have to face them alone. Whether they’re finding it challenging to afford the basics, feeling overwhelmed, or are unsure where to turn, we’re here to listen and help.  

Through our Live Well fund and wider support services, we can work with tenants to find the right support when you need it most.  

If a tenant needs help, they can apply for Live Well support online. 

We can help with things like: 

• Vouchers for food and essential items like toiletries 
• Topping up pre-payment energy meters 
• Household items such as bedding and curtains 
• Counselling sessions, delivered by Talk Listen Change – tenants can refer themselves online here 

If a tenant needs support with something not listed above, we still ask them to complete the Live Well form – we review each request on a case-by-case basis and will always do our best to help or connect tenants with someone who can. 

As well as crisis support, we can also: 

• Work with tenants to review their income and spending 
• Offer advice on budgeting and reducing debt 
• Help check they’re receiving all the financial support they’re entitled to 
• Provide employment support to help tenants build skills and find work 
• Put tenants in touch with other agencies who can help 

We know times can be hard for tenants, and we’re here to positively impact their lives as much as we can.