Celebrating supported housing for #StartsAtHome Day
Having a decent home is an essential starting point for people to live independent and fulfilled lives. At Derventio we have 289 supported homes, providing housing for more than 700 people. The people living in our supported housing have faced homelessness and many are dealing with other challenges such as physical or mental health problems, social isolation or substance misuse.
Everyone who comes through our doors has one thing in common – they want to change their lives for the better. Our supported housing gives people a safe and stable home where they can take positive steps towards their goals at their own pace and in a secure environment.
Starts at Home Day is an annual celebration of supported housing run by the National Housing Federation. To mark the day we invited MPs in the areas where we deliver supported housing to visit our scheme and discuss the work we are doing in local communities.
Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins, Erewash MP Maggie Throup, Ashfield MP Lee Anderson, Broxtowe MP Darren Henry and Warwick and Leamington MP Matt Western all took the time to visit us. They met with staff and residents, who shared their experiences of living in Derventio supported housing. There were some great discussions with all of the MPs and we found it a great opportunity to discuss this vital service.
Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins said:
I was delighted to be invited by Derventio to come and see first-hand the work they are doing in Chesterfield. From speaking to my constituent, Jamieson Frost, about the support he receives, and the positive effect this has had on his life, health and future opportunities, it is clear that these services can have a transformative effect on people’s lives and happiness.
Supported housing not only helps keep people safe and transforms individual lives, but it also improves communities, reduces the impact on other services and saves money in the long-term.
Erewash MP Maggie Throup said:
It was wonderful to meet your residents, along with Ron Griffiths – Housing Team Leader, I was so impressed by his commitment and understanding of the needs of the residents.
As always, I was thoroughly impressed by the dedication and commitment of the staff at Derventio Housing Trust who work tirelessly to support the more vulnerable in our society to live independent lives.
Please also thank [residents] for allowing me into their home and for sharing their experiences with me.
Warwick and Leamington MP Matt Western said:
It was good to meet Derventio bosses and see first-hand the accommodation they are providing in Warwick and Leamington.
I saw for myself their first property here and met one of the residents benefiting from the quality and security of accommodation.
It’s part of a wider housing solution we need although we need more council housing too – providing new homes to those who most need it.