PRESS RELEASE
CHARNWOOD NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSING BACKS NATIONAL HOUSING FEDERATION CAMPAIGN ON SUPPORTED HOUSING

Charnwood Neighbourhood Housing is joining a range of agencies throughout the East Midlands to mark Supported Housing month throughout June 2010. The National Housing Federation campaign is aimed at raising awareness of the crucial services running throughout the East Midlands that help the most vulnerable people enjoy independent and fulfilled lives.

Services provided range from foyers for young people, temporary accommodation for families, refuges from domestic violence and sheltered and extra care housing for older or disabled people. With recent changes to the way funding is allocated for these services, it’s more important than ever that those that hold the purse strings are aware of the impact they are making. National research from the Department for Communities and Local Government shows that every pound spent on Supporting People saves £2.12 on other public services.

Charnwood Neighbourhood Housing provides general needs housing, sheltered housing, tenancy support and lifeline services to 5835 properties in the borough of Charnwood, and to raise awareness of this important work we have organised our own events to mark Supported Housing month:

On Tuesday 15th June 2010 we are holding an afternoon Strawberry Tea at Beresford Court, The Lant Shepshed where we are inviting local residents from several of our courts to attend along with residents in and around our community and parishes. Further open days and events will also be taking place in the coming weeks and months around the borough to celebrate the work of our wardens and supported housing staff.

Councillors, MPs and other regional decision makers from agencies such as Government Office, the Regional Development Agencies, Police and Primary Care Trusts, are being invited to similar events throughout the region.

Coordinated by the National Housing Federation, the campaign comes after an announcement last year, which gives local authorities much more freedom to decide how they use ‘Supporting People’ grants. This gives councils the chance to be innovative in how they commission and provide services for vulnerable people, but carries the risk that vital funding for older people could be lost.

Susan Taylor, Chief Executive of Charnwood Neighbourhood Housing said:
“We are delighted to participate in the National Housing Federations supported housing month. This is an ideal opportunity for people to learn what is on offer, how services are provided and what the outcomes are”.

Neil Griffiths, East Midlands Regional Manager for the National Housing Federation added: “In the current financial climate, it is vitally important that commissioners, MPs, stakeholders and Councillors are fully aware of the contribution that the housing sector is making in supporting and improving the lives of so many individuals in communities throughout the region.”

• For further information about East Midlands Supported housing month please visit www.housing.org.uk/central

• To find out about events taking place across the region, please visit our website www.cnh.org.uk

For all press enquiries please contact Maria Maltby, Corporate Services Manager for Charnwood Neighbourhood Housing Limited on 01509 632578, or email maria.maltby@cnh.org.uk