Why Have Tenancy Support?
Gateshead Council’s Housing Services provides housing support to people in the community who need help to successfully maintain their Gateshead Housing Company tenancy.
Some people find it difficult to manage their tenancy because they are first time tenants, however some existing tenants also struggle to cope.
Issues such as health problems, debt, drug and alcohol dependencies, mental health issues, or difficulties in completing standard forms all effect how a person can manage a tenancy.
The tenancy support service exists to offer support to Gateshead Housing Company Tenants in their own homes to ensure that they do not feel isolated and unable to cope with problems they may be facing.
The Aims Of The Tenancy Support Service:
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Ensure that tenants who need support have sufficient support to set up and maintain successful tenancies
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Prevent or reduce rent arrears
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Prevent or reduce anti-social behaviour
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Prevent or reduce homelessness
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Encourage other services to become involved in order to address all of a tenants needs
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Provide support that the tenant actually wants
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Ensure that all tenants have equal access to services
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Provide a safe and secure environment to help people feel comfortable and confident within their own home
What Support Is Available From Our Services?
Our experienced tenancy support workers can assist you in the following areas:
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Assist you to set up and maintain a tenancy
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Developing domestic/life skills
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Advice, advocacy and liaison
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Help in managing finances and benefit claims
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Emotional support
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Helping to build your self-confidence
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Help in gaining access to other services
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Developing social contacts and activities
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Help in establishing personal safety and security
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Help in maintaining the safety and security of the dwelling
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Assistance in attending appointments
How does The Tenancy Support Service work and how can I access the service?
The Tenancy Support Service offers general, practical support to over 40 Gateshead Housing Company tenants in their own homes. This is done by regular weekly home visits to people. Support can only be offered to tenants living in Gateshead housing Company properties.
The support is provided around what you require in order to meet your own needs. A support plan will be set up and will be regularly reviewed with you to ensure you are happy with the progress you are making and the support you are receiving.
Referrals
In order for people to receive support a referral needs to be made to the service. You can make a self referral by clicking on the link below and downloading a referral form.
Referrals can also be made from the following agencies:
Even if you don't have contact with any of the above organisations you may want to click on the links to see if they can offer you other types of support.
If you do want to receive support from the tenancy support team you must remember you can only receive support if you are a tenant with The Gateshead Housing Company.
What Happens Next?
A tenancy support worker will then contact you to let you know if they can support you. If you are offered support, an appointment will be made with you to discuss what you want from the service.
If you aren't offered support we will direct you to another support service that may be better placed to support and assist you.