Today we will be celebrating Starts at Home Day 2022, a day to celebrate Supported Housing and the difference this makes to thousands of people’s lives, ensuring those people that need extra support have a safe home that meets their needs.
Great Places provides Supported Housing through specialist services and expert support that promotes independence and wellbeing for people across our regions. We are committed to helping our customers develop key life skills and achieve their goals.
During the last year, our offer and commitment to Independence and Wellbeing included managing services to meet a range of diverse customer needs including older people, young parents, complex families and people with mental health needs or drug and alcohol issues. We directly manage supported housing projects and have 19 accommodation schemes providing short-term accommodation and support for over 300 people.
For the day, we will be highlighting our supported housing services and hearing from our customers, who tell us about their experiences and how being given the right support has enabled them to live in a safe home independently.
Read about how we have supported several of our customers below:
Mrs Oniye said:
I don’t have words to express how thankful I am for the support I received with sorting my Pension Credit. While the application was pending, I received huge support financially in the form of vouchers from Great Places and the other partners my Tenancy Coach referred me to. In all my 25 years of coming and living in the UK, I’ve never received the extent of help and kindness I got from Great Places. I’m also not aware that Great Places provides this level of support to its customers even though I’ve lived here for many years – so thank you.
Nicky said:
There have been times when I felt it was the end of the road for me and would text or ring Ify, my worker. She would always respond immediately encouraging me and helping me to deal with the difficult situation. My mental health was at its lowest a couple of months ago and I couldn’t get an appointment with my doctor but when I contacted Ify, she was able to support me and get me an appointment, meaning I got my medication. She has also helped me sort out my Personal Independence Payment and got me help with alcoholism. I’m really happy.
The customers at Pomona Gardens have utilised funding acquired through the Tenant Welfare Fund to revitalise Pomona’s Garden, including growing their own fruit and vegetables and brightening up the space with some new flowers and plants.
Finally, as part of Starts at Home Day Guy Cresswell, Executive Director for Customer Services is visiting customers at the Salford Allotment, Buile Hill Park, Seedly where a cooking session and focus group are being held for customers. Keep an eye out on our social media for more updates from his visit.
