Migrant homelessness: the challenges

Sadly, people with no recourse to public funds are often homeless because of the legal complexity of their situation. At our latest Homes for Cathy regional workshop, Simon Shreeve of the People from Abroad team, Norfolk County Council, discussed some of the issues facing housing partners in the East.

Simon’s team support citizens of other countries and British citizens returning after being resident abroad. The People from Abroad team’s work ranges from looking after the social needs of migrants, including issues of modern slavery and forced marriage, to carrying out Human Rights and Care Act assessments. They liaise with interpreters, Government departments, district council homelessness teams, police, hospitals, community health and the voluntary sector.

“We are working with Norfolk County Council to home former Afghan interpreters who worked on behalf of the UK forces and can no longer live safely in Afghanistan," says Katie Docherty, Delivery Team Manager.

Charity bike ride raises £1,200

In June 10 Broadland staff members used their volunteering day to raise funds for Nelson's Journey, a charity supporting bereaved children and young people in Norfolk.

The 20-mile cycle route started from Broadland’s head office at Carrow Road in Norwich, and went through the villages of Stoke Holy Cross, Saxlingham Nethergate and Mulbarton, before returning via Cringleford. Our Estate Services Co-ordinator Wayne volunteered to be the recovery driver.

The group raised a fantastic £1,208 for Nelson's Journey, our staff’s chosen charity for 2020-21.

All Broadland staff receive a day’s paid leave (pro rata) every year for charity work.

William, Procurement Officer, said:

“It's great Broadland allow all staff to have a volunteer day for things like this, so that we can support our community and Nelson's Journey, who do such a good job".

Peter, IT Support Assistant, said:

"We've been training over the last few weeks to reach the right level of fitness for the event. We've been really lucky in receiving sponsorship from friends, family and colleagues.”

Nelson’s Journey commented on Twitter:

“Thank you so much to all at Broadland Housing for this fantastic effort and your continued support!”

Well done to the riders and a big thank you to everyone who generously donated.

Matt O’Brien

New Welfare Benefits Advisor

This year we added a dedicated Welfare Benefits Advisor to our Tenancy Support team. Welfare benefits is a complex field and Matt O’Brien’s role is to make the claim process less daunting for tenants and increase the chances of a positive outcome.

Matt provides specialist advice, helps tenants to access benefits they are entitled to, complete application forms and supports them to appeal benefit decisions, including attending a tribunal hearing.

So far, Matt has resolved more than 150 benefit queries, many of which resulted in increased income for tenants. Over a third of queries related to Universal Credit, reflecting the growing number of new claims for this benefit following the pandemic and the economic downturn of the past 12 months.

As a result of Matt’s support in 2020-21 (compared to 2019-20):

Tenants’ benefit income increased by £91,498.93
One-off benefit payments received by tenants £37,543.75

To find out more about our Tenancy Support team’s work, see www.broadlandgroup.org/tenant-support/

The Elms in Norwich

Wildflowers put on a show

This year our Estate Services team have been out seeding new wildflower areas in the communal green spaces at our schemes.

“Wildflowers are gorgeous for us to enjoy, but they also play a critical role by supporting pollinators such as bees and butterflies with food and somewhere to breed,” says Louise Archer, Executive Asset Director and one of our Environmental Champions. “These insects then repay the favour by pollinating our favourite native species of fruit, such as strawberries and apples.”

As well as increasing biodiversity and encouraging wildlife, wildflower meadows reduce the amount of grass that our Estate Services team needs to cut, freeing them up for other grounds maintenance.

Challenge and Change

Our Challenge and Change events give Broadland staff the chance to try new activities, learn new skills and gain a wider understanding of equality and diversity.

The staff development programme runs three times a year over two days. A team of volunteers coordinate the schedule and employees are asked to sign up for one talk and at least one other activity.

In July, staff could choose from a packed programme that spanned events from an introduction to Buddhism to alpaca walks and axe throwing!

Staff feedback from Challenge and Change, July 2021:

“I really enjoyed the HIV Awareness talk. Very interesting and I learned something from it”

“I enjoyed paddle boarding the most. Never done it before, it was all new and I have a fear of open water”

“The art class - something different, never usually pick that option, really enjoyed it”