A helping hand when it’s most needed

Charlotte Watson (centre) with colleagues Tahir Mahmood and Caireen Daveron

The latest figures from the RBH Homelessness team highlight the vital role they are playing in helping people around the borough keep a roof over their heads.

Between October and December 2014 the team worked with partner agencies to prevent a total of 421 households becoming homeless and all the distress which this causes to individuals and families.

There are a number of reasons why residents may become homeless, including family breakdown and loss of private-sector tenancies. Whatever the cause it’s crucial that they receive assistance and that’s where the Homelessness team come in.

They provide guidance over the phone and at advice sessions currently taking place at Number One Riverside, Rochdale ahead of a new RBH customer centre opening in the town.

Ways in which the team may be able to help people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless include:

• Mediation work with your landlord or who you're staying with so you can remain there until you find somewhere else to live. 
• Explaining your legal rights as a lodger or tenant. 
• Housing options advice to help you find somewhere else to live. 
• Help with debt or mortgage problems. 
• Assisting you through the Housing Register or other housing agencies. 

• Help with applications for Housing Benefit to cover your rent shortfall.

Help if you are experiencing domestic abuse.　

Referrals to supported housing or housing related support.

In one recent case a team member helped a terminally ill woman and her teenage daughter find a suitable RBH home after they were made homeless and also helped ensure the woman received the care she needed.

A colleague, meanwhile, provided vital assistance to a woman who had received serious threats from her partner.

As well as helping the woman and her children find suitable accommodation, the team member liaised with the youngsters’ new school to ensure they were aware of the potential risks and helped their mother apply for benefits and furniture grants.

Charlotte Watson, RBH Access Homelessness Officer, said: “Our role is very challenging but can also be wonderfully rewarding as we have the chance to help people at what could be the most difficult time of their lives.

“The key message is that anyone who fears they may be made homeless in the future should contact us as soon as possible as this gives us a better chance of helping them.”

To contact the Homelessness team please call 0300 303 8548 to discuss your situation or come to Number One Riverside between 1 - 3.30pm on weekdays. If you call in, please report to the reception desk at the front of the building.

For out of hours enquiries please call 0300 303 8875

The Homelessness team transferred to RBH last year from Rochdale Borough Council, who retain the legal responsibility for the service.

Councillor Jacqui Beswick, Cabinet Member for Housing and Environment, said: “The council supports a number of organisations, including Petrus, who help homeless people by providing vital services such as jobs and skills training.

“However, the most important thing we can do is help prevent homelessness in the first place, and that’s why we work with the CAB and others to offer schemes including mortgage rescue and debt advice. We would advise anyone who is struggling financially to get help at the first opportunity by contacting us on 0300 303 8548.”