Ethos Public Relations Manchester

Housing ‘Passports’ to be extended

by Ethos public relations

Social landlord Hyndburn Homes has been working with Accrington & Rossendale College to support a pilot Passport to Housing qualification. It has proved such a success that new tenants are now teaching the course to other potential tenants.

Linda Chelton from Hyndburn Homes said: “We are really pleased that Passport to Housing is becoming a peer led qualification.

"The initial pilot programme has now been extended to other regions in the area and will include tutors who have themselves gone through the course.”

Passport to Housing is a package of pre-tenancy training designed to provide tenant budgeting and money management. It also gives advice on work and training for those moving into new tenancies - with a focus on people in supported accommodation and on those in housing need. It is particularly beneficial to vulnerable adults and young people who want to secure and maintain a tenancy and is an accredited level one qualification.

To date Hyndburn Homes and Accrington & Rossendale College have delivered the course to 49 Hyndburn residents and around seven of these are now themselves going to be teaching the course as it rolls out. Other trainers include members of Hyndburn Homes staff, other social housing providers and volunteers.

Tracy Landon from Accrington & Rossendale College designed the course and continues to deliver it. She said: “People living independently for the first time often find it difficult to cope. This could be because they are young first time tenants, or they have issues around drugs, debt or mental health.

"Obviously we want to ensure people are good tenants and remain in their home and this scheme is one way to provide that support.”

After having its successful pilot in Hyndburn Passport to Housing is now being taken up by other organisation in the East Lancashire area including Burnley and Blackburn and Rossendale. To find out about the course and how it can help you contact Tracy Landon at Accrington and Rossendale College on 01254 354084 / 07970969728.

To read other news from Hyndburn Homes click here.

Posted at 1^st December 2011