A Council funded programme targeted at homeless people and young care leavers to equip them with the skills that they need to become successful tenants has created its first graduates.
The accredited course provides them with the know-how to live independently, manage budgeting, avoid substance abuse, and manage their behaviour. Some of the sessions were helped by visiting professionals from public service providers, such as Avon & Somerset Police, Council Housing and Benefit Teams, and Bristol Credit Union staff.
Councillor Tim Ball (Lib-Dem, Twerton), Cabinet Member for Homes and Planning, said, “The Council found that people from vulnerable backgrounds were less likely to be good tenants and more likely to have their tenancy agreement terminated. The programme that we are funding provides those people with the knowledge and awareness they need to be good neighbours and avoid problems with their tenancy.
“I’m delighted that the first group of graduates from the course are now ready to take-up the challenge of becoming a tenant and running their own home.”
DHI, Stonham and Shape Housing Association deliver the programme on behalf of the Council through the Council commissioned Reach floating support service.
One of the first graduates has already found a tenancy. Callum Sardo, 22 years old, said, “The course was superb. Before I graduated, I knew very little about topics like managing a household budget. It has given me the confidence to able to deal with the challenges, problems, and issues that arise from being a tenant in your home. I really hope that others in the same position that I was take the opportunity to go on the course.”
Reach now wants to hear from potential trainees, who can self-refer, or from relevant professionals who can refer their clients. Drop in to DHI Information Takeaway at 31 Monmouth Street, Bath BA1 2AN, call Reach on 01225 422156, or go on line to www.dhireach.org.uk.
The graduates received their certificates from the Chairman of Bath & North East Somerset Council at a ceremony last week.
