Here is a recent story from our Social Prescribing + service which supports people with language support needs to access specialist advice and information in Brighton and Hove.
Service User R self-referred to our service, having used it previously and been very pleased with the help provided.
She said that she still had a lot of damp in her flat which was causing her stress, extra work and allergies for herself and her children.
Although the landlord had carried out some repairs previously, the damp issues remained and were worsening in fact.
Having now been living in Brighton & Hove for over 5 years, R wanted help to join the council’s Homemove scheme. In the meantime, she wanted advice on how she could access alternative private rental accommodation from a landlord who would accept tenants in receipt of Housing Benefit.
R had also been struggling with the Cost of Living.
Having agreed on an action plan with R, our Bilingual Community Navigator (BCN) helped with the following:
- Contacted the council regarding the damp issues in the current property. R received a home visit from the BHCC Direct Lets team to discuss these issues.
- Completed and submitted a Homemove application and explained how the bidding process works.
- R is now hoping the Direct Lets team can assist her with a Private Rental Sector move whilst waiting for help through the Homemove scheme.
- Completed a BHCC Local Discretionary Social Fund application with R. As a result, R received a voucher towards food costs and also PayPoint energy vouchers.
- R changed job as a cleaner and the BCN helped her to understand and submit the necessary paperwork in order to start the role.
- Also helped R to open a new bank account.
R said: “I would never know how to do all this without you, I feel that my life is progressing in a positive way. Thank you so much for being here to support me.’
Note: We collaborate with Social Prescribers to write these stories but remove the names of the Social Prescribers, the language used and other details to ensure confidentiality for Service Users.
