Blog by Paul Powell, Quality Tenancy Engagement and Operation Head at Midlands Living
In collaboration with Saif Social & Health Care and National Community Homes, Midlands Living CIC ensure that people facing homelessness and life challenges will always have a safe home that meets their needs within our supported accommodation.
At one of our Birmingham properties, Urooj and her team of support workers adopted a successful approach. Residents feel that they are able to establish a homely environment and experience independence, alongside regular support.
Midlands Living residents have experienced significant challenges in their lives, such as domestic violence, family challenges, alcohol and drugs misuse, and immigration issues. After experiencing homelessness, they moved into supported accommodation as ‘crossroads’ point in their lives.
Residents are encouraged to participate in informal social activities with each other, and some have established solid friendships with others who have experienced similar life difficulties. This has resulted in a strong community environment and sense of comradeship, which reinforced the perceptions of homeliness for the residents living at our ensuite accommodation, especially families with primary school aged children.
We delivered a number of successful adult and family themed activities in 2022, especially during the summer holidays. Residents were encouraged to participate in after school recreation activities, held at the local library, parks and leisure centres, including regional entertainment activities provided by the recent Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
These activities have been useful in enhancing residents’ engagement with local community provision as part of their move towards independence, and establishing their sense of belonging.
Helping people to feel at home where they live is what Starts at Home Day is all about.