Tenancy Support
Shepherds Bush Housing Association's (SBHA) Tenancy Support team
provide a support service to general needs housing tenants living
in Hammersmith and Fulham who are deemed 'vulnerable' (i.e. who
have additional support needs) and liaise with external agencies to
ensure such tenants are provided with the support they need to
sustain their tenancies. If the tenant lives outside Hammersmith
and Fulham the Tenancy Support Manager will refer the tenant on to
a more appropriate support provider.
Tenancy support is provided to tenants living in their own homes
with the aim of maintaining independence. The service is provided
for up to 2 years with a clear exit strategy. If a tenant requires
the support service again, they can return following a new
assessment of their needs.
The aim of the Tenancy Support Service is to provide a flexible
level of support to vulnerable tenants, assisting with complex
welfare benefit needs which may involve extra support around
activities or skills that are required to cope with managing a
tenancy and living independently. To assist the tenant in achieving
goals which enhance their personal development, promoting emotional
well being and developing independent life skills.
The Tenancy Support Officer will arrange to meet with the tenant
on a regular basis to offer practical help and advice on a range of
issues such as maximising income on a budget, health issues,
assisting in backdating welfare benefit claims when required as
well as offering emotional support which may include accessing
appropriate specialist agencies for counselling or support. The
Tenancy Support Officer will be available during the week during
normal office hours.
The tenant can receive support from the Tenancy Support Service
for up to 2 years to provide support and assistance to enable the
tenant to sustain their tenancy and live independently in the
community.
Purpose of support provided to tenants is:
- tenancy continuation
- ensuring tenants have access to a comprehensive network of
services, both voluntary and statutory, appropriate to their
individual needs
- to support tenants in developing budgeting skills and
prioritising bills necessary to maintain a tenancy
- assisting tenants to resolve disputes and conflicts with other
tenants which may effect the peace and comfort of other tenants or
neighbours
- encouraging tenants to participate in their support plan, which
will be reviewed every three months
- to assist the tenant to achieve goals, which enhance their
personal development including career development, promoting
emotional well being and developing independent life skills
- to ensure tenants receive maximum entitlement to welfare
benefits.
The Tenancy Support team can be contacted on 020 8749
8967.