|
Community Action Halfway Home has two, 5
bedroom and four, 2 bedroom houses, 2 family houses along with four self contained flats.
All our properties have yearly gas and electrical checks, they also have quarterly fire alarm and equipment testing.
Bedrooms
All the bedrooms are furnished to a high standard and clients
are provided with a set of bedding and towels when they first move in.
Clients will be the only person to have access
to their bedroom, although staff or contractors may need to enter your room:
In an emergency.
For health and safety reasons.
To repair fixtures and fittings in room (clients will be given prior notice).
By
agreement, to work on an identified support need.
To carry out annual/quarterly checks in line with licence/tenancy agreement.
Other Rooms
Each house has a comfortable, fully equipped
lounge. The kitchens are fitted with modern appliances.
Inspection of Houses
House meetings are held in all the houses on a weekly basis. These meetings give the opportunity for the house to be
checked, health and safety issues to be discussed and for residents to report any repairs/problems. Any problems are promptly
reported to the office.
House Meetings explained
The purpose of
the house meeting is to facilitate the smooth running of the house. Staff and residents share a responsibility for ensuring
that a safe and healthy environment is permanently maintained at each property. A meeting is held at each house every week,
facilitated by two members of staff, all residents are encouraged to participate by contributing to the agenda and chairing
and taking minutes at the meetings. All clients have an obligation to attend
weekly house meetings, according to the terms of their occupancy agreements.
These meetings
provide a forum:
For clients to exchange information, encourage
positive relationships to minimise problems.
To enable clients to clients to discuss problems or difficulties in the house or neighbourhood.
For the sharing of information from Halfway and consultation on issues regarding residents.
For introducing new clients to the house.
For the reporting of repairs and health and safety issues.
The houses are also inspected annually. This is a more detailed inspection of the property,
including clients’ private bedrooms.
How long can people stay in Halfway's Supported Accommodation?
All of our supported accommodation is medium term accommodation (up to 2 years). We have a commitment to help clients
secure permanent accommodation and are able to support the early stages of ‘move on’.
Rent and Service Charge
If clients are eligible, Housing Benefit will pay most of the rent for Halfway’s accommodation. An element of
rent is ineligible for Housing Benefit – this is payable by the client and known as a Service Charge (this will cover
heat, light and water rates in your personal space). The amount of Service Charge paid by the client will be dependent on
individual financial circumstances. Clients will receive a book, which will be used to record payments of service charge made
at the office. Clients can also pay their service charge by Direct Debit, directly to Halfway (staff will be able to help
in setting this up should clients wish to pay in this way). The rent is reviewed annually.
Claiming Benefits
On accepting
the offer of a place in Supported Accommodation, staff will assist the client in claiming both Housing Benefit and any other
personal benefits they may be entitled to. Clients’ entitlements will be dependant on their individual circumstances.
Arrears
If clients fall into arrears with their service charge we will write to them detailing how much they owe and a date
to pay it by. Depending on individual circumstances arrangements can be made to pay any arrears at an agreed weekly rate.
Failure to pay or follow any agreement may result in the eviction procedure being evoked.
Personal Belongings
Clients are welcome to bring small personal belongings with them. The security of any personal belongings is the responsibility
of the client. Personal belongings are not covered by Halfway’s insurance and we encourage clients to seek their own
insurance for these. Bringing furniture is not possible as all the houses are fully furnished.
If clients wish to bring a TV with them to use in their own personal space, they will need to purchase a TV licence
for their room.
Floating Support
We provide permanent accommodation in locations across the city, for both single people and families. This ‘floating
support’ accommodation is provided in partnership with local housing associations. The flat or house is fully furnished
by Halfway; appliances are modern and furniture and fittings are of a good standard. Clients are responsible for paying their
rent direct to the housing association and all their bills. The housing association and keyworkers will assist clients in
claiming Housing Benefit.
Clients living in the floating support accommodation receive support from Halfway workers for as long as the client
and the worker feel this support is necessary. The support provided will vary according to the individual, but will include
working on issues involved in maintaining a tenancy; (for example budgeting, paying rent and bills, claiming benefits and
neighbourhood and safety issues.)
When it is agreed that this support is no longer necessary and the client feels ready to manage their tenancy independently
and maintain good mental health, Halfway withdraws support and the client continues living in the property as a general needs
tenant.
|
