New Service Helps Prevent Homelessness in Buckinghamshire
Inspiring stories about how a new support service has changed lives and helped people remain in their homes have been shared at its official launch.
Our Resilience Service helps people at risk of becoming homeless, before they get to crisis point. The service, provided by Connection Support, was commissioned by a consortium led by Aylesbury Vale District Council, working alongside the other district councils in Bucks and Buckinghamshire County Council. It was funded by a £625,000 government grant, through the Homelessness Prevention Trailblazers initiative, which aims to establish a network of pioneering areas across England to reform the response to homelessness.
A range of issues in people’s lives can put their housing at risk, challenges such as job loss, family breakdown and bereavement. If several happen at the same time their ability to cope is affected and they may need help to keep their home. The Resilience team officers work with local partners and organisations across Bucks, offering practical advice and support, as well as guidance on financial matters and help with new skills, to build confidence and prevent homelessness in the future.
Thirty-seven year old mum of four, Jasmine, has already benefited from the Resilience Service pilot project. A victim of domestic violence, she found herself socially isolated and struggling with her finances and was identified as at risk of losing her home. A Resilience team officer helped her get back on her feet, so that she is now better able to cope and remain in her property.
At the launch events, Paula and Chris shared their experiences of using the Resilience Service:
Karen Ferguson heads up the Resilience Service team here at Connection Support and says: “Early intervention is key with this service, identifying anyone who could be at risk of becoming homeless. Our officers work with people to build on their strengths, to improve their life skills and look at everything that’s going on in their lives, giving them the resilience to prevent them from being at risk of homelessness in the future.”
Anyone struggling to pay the rent or keep up to date with mortgage payments can contact Connection Support on (01296) 484322 or email in complete confidence. You can download referral forms and find out more about the Resilience Service.
The service operates across Buckinghamshire and has been commissioned by a consortium of all four district councils in Bucks (Aylesbury Vale, Chiltern, South Bucks and Wycombe), along with Buckinghamshire County Council. It’s funded by the government’s Trailblazer programme.
