Tackling homelessness in the region
Last year Shelter reported that there were more than 500 families living in temporary accommodation in Norfolk. This shocking figure does not even include people who are rough sleeping, sofa surfing or living in their cars.
Homelessness is a growing problem in Norfolk. Put simply, demand for affordable homes exceeds the supply available. High levels of second home ownership in the county has pushed up local house prices. There is significant rural poverty, made worse by changes in welfare benefits and tenancy rights in private rented accommodation.
As a founding member of the national Homes for Cathy campaign, Broadland has made 9 clear commitments to end homelessness in our region, including:
- Not making any tenant homeless who was seeking to prevent their homelessness.
- Helping to meet the needs of vulnerable tenant groups.
- Working in partnership to provide a range of affordable housing options which meet the needs of all homeless people in our local communities.
- Contributing to ending migrant homelessness in our area.
Katie Docherty, Housing Manager, explains what we are doing to meet our Homes for Cathy commitments:
“We’ve been working with local authority partners to make sure we’re part of their homelessness strategy, not just consulted on it. For example, in a ‘housing first’ pilot with Norwich City Council, we’re providing homeless people with a home, and the council is then providing the wraparound support they need. Historically, you had to prove you were ready for a tenancy first. This initiative suggests that it’s better to provide a home first, and then to go from there with the support.
“We’re also working with North Norfolk District Council to build homes that are affordable for those people who live and work in the area.
“We can’t do this on our own, and that’s why we’re working in partnership with a range of local organisations to make sure these commitments are delivered consistently.”
Watch an interview with Katie Docherty, Housing Manager, on what Broadland is doing to address homelessness in the eastern region.
In October Broadland hosted the second Homes for Cathy East Anglia regional meeting. Once again we brought together housing providers, local authorities and charities to discuss how we can work together, share ideas and best practice and make a difference in our region. There were presentations from Tony Stacey of South Yorkshire Housing Association; Lesley Burdett (pictured), Hub Manager at Shelter explaining why Homes for Cathy is such a positive force in tackling homelessness; and Martin Hilditch, Editor of Inside Housing magazine, for his insights on how we change the narrative for all homeless people.
The next Homes for Cathy East Anglia regional meeting will be in July*. Please contact paula.strachan@broadlandgroup.org if you would like an invitation.
*this may be postponed due to Coronavirus.
Supporting mental health at work
Broadland has joined more than 1,200 organisations across the UK that have signed the Time to Change Employer Pledge. The pledge commits Broadland to a 12-month action plan to change attitudes to mental health in the workplace.
Signing the pledge at Broadland’s 2019 staff conference, Group Chief Executive Michael Newey said:
“Although things are slowly changing, there is still a great deal of stigma around mental health. We want our staff to feel comfortable to be able to start conversations around mental health and we are committed to supporting their wellbeing at work.”
Broadland has trained a team of Mental Health Champions who since May 2019 have been offering a confidential, 1-to-1 service to colleagues in the workplace. Their role is to listen, support and signpost suitable services to anyone who may be struggling with their mental health. They also raise awareness and promote mental wellbeing across the organisation.
Broadland staff also voted for Mind as their charity of the year for fundraising. In October 2019 staff raised more than £1,300 for the mental health charity in a sponsored bike ride round the county.
Greener transport for tenants
Broadland’s exciting transport deal with Norfolk Car Club will save money for our tenants and reduce our impact on the environment.
Our new partnership means that tenants can join Norfolk Car Club free (saving a £25 joining fee), remain a member for free (saving £5 per month minimum spend), and receive a £25 free driving credit.
Norfolk Car Club offers pay-as-you-go use of a fleet of 50 new cars and vans in Norwich and 600 vehicles across the UK. Vehicles can be hired for as little as half an hour. Norfolk Car Club members have smaller carbon footprints because they travel fewer miles, in more efficient cars. National research shows that car club members who drive fewer than 6-8,000 miles annually can save up to £3,500 a year.
Andrew Savage, Executive Development Director and a Broadland environmental champion, said:
“This great new deal with Norfolk Car Club will really benefit our tenants. It will save them the hassle and expense of owning and maintaining a car, such as tax, MOT, fuel, servicing, repairs and parking.
“We are strongly committed to reducing our environmental footprint and this new partnership will reduce the amount of congestion on the roads, lower fuel emissions and improve air quality.”