SLH is proud to support Housing Day 2020

Published: 6 October 2020 

Housing Day is an annual event that celebrates the positive impact that social housing has on millions of communities across the UK. This year’s theme is ‘The importance of home’ - something we’re very passionate about at SLH. 

Our Neighbourhood and Community Services team’s work with our tenants to ensure their homes are a positive and safe space to live. Here’s two examples of how housing care begins at home and how we put tenants at the heart of everything we do.  

Katie: Case study

Following a change in the family set-up, Katie found herself in a rented home, via a private landlord. She lived in Huyton with her children but wanted to move closer to her parents in Speke and to escape unaffordable private renting costs.  

With the help of SLH, she was focused on finding a home and getting the family back on their feet.  

“Higher rent was the driving force behind my move and SLH made me feel welcome. Everyone I have spoken to is helpful and welcoming.” 

Katie told us about her situation and our neighbourhood officers found an option that was suitable on the Greenway Road housing development in Speke. Katie and her family went to visit the house and area and were immediately pleased.  

“The surroundings on the Greenway development are amazing and have been done so well by SLH and Keepmoat. Big gardens, open space and plenty of storage in each home is just the best.” 

Katie and her family moved into their new home during the coronavirus lockdown in July.  

She commented; “Managing furniture deliveries during lockdown was a struggle and made it harder but having a brand-new home with space and a welcoming community with friendly neighbours is great.” 

Katie and her kids are now happily settled in their new home.  

“Moving to a brand-new house made life easier and being a single parent family, it’s great having my own garden and space for the kids. 

"The people are friendly, the Greenway development feels like its own little world but it’s also close to schools, shops and my parents.” 

Mr Bell: Case study 

Mark Bell says moving into an SLH home was “the best thing to happen to me”. 

When Mr Bell, who is registered blind, was targeted by youths in his private rented home, he knew the time had come to look to move and find a secure, permanent home.  

Following a failed search of available private rented homes, he spoke to one our neighbourhood officers who told him about the homes we have available and the steps he needed to take to take to apply for a home.  

When a bungalow in Speke came up, we got in touch with Mark and arranged a viewing. Mark visited the home with his friend and was delighted with it, it was exactly what he was looking for and needed.  

“It’s the best decision I’ve made – moving into an SLH home”, Mark said. “The support network that SLH offer has been excellent. The team are really friendly, everything is confidential, and I know I can speak to them about anything I need.” 

Unfortunately, after moving into his home, Mr Bell was again targeted and his shed was broken into. He immediately contacted SLH’s neighbourhood team and explained the situation.  

We worked with the police to secure his home and made the necessary adaptions by fitting alarms to the windows and doors, to provide additional security. We also removed the shed from the garden, to prevent it from happening again, so he could continue to live as independently as possible.  

“SLH helped to fix the fencing in the garden and spoke to the community police to fit alarms. The support provided was excellent and helped me to feel comfortable after the break-in happened.” 

Part of the local community

Mark now feels part of the local community and prior to the coronavirus outbreak, regularly joined in with activities such as the Coffee and Chat sessions.  

“Everyone was so friendly. I struggle with loneliness, so it’s good for me to meet new people. Everyone was welcoming and I opened up about my blindness to share what it’s like with others.” 

“There were volunteers available, if I needed any help, which I really appreciated.” 

Mark says he is grateful for the help SLH has and continue to provide him with. He explained how important is it that anyone who may be struggling to find a secure home, should speak to out and be made aware of the help and guidance available.  

“My advice would be to speak to SLH. Pick up the phone and speak to your neighbourhood officer about how you feel and what you need. You’ll be treated with respect and honesty, especially during lockdown. Use the services that they have to offer.”