Stonham Leeds Pre-Tenancy Training Pilot Evaluation Report
CONTENTS:
Introductionpage 2
The Steering Grouppage 3
Formatpage 4
Format on the daypage 5
Delivery Partnerspage 6
Module 1- Applying for housing page 6
Module 2 - Preparing to move page 8
Module 3 - Utilities & Managing your money page 9
Module 4- Furnishing your home on a budget page 10
Module 5- Safety in your Home page11
Module 6- Why tenancies fail page 11
Evaluation Results page 13
Evaluating Knowledgepage 13
Module 1- Applying for housing page 13
Module 2 - Preparing to move page 16
Module 3 - Utilities & Managing your money page 19
Module 4- Furnishing your home on a budget page 22
Module 5- Safety in your Home page 25
Module 6- Why tenancies fail page 28
Comments on first set of modules page 31
Comments on second set of modules page 32
Evaluating confidence page 33
Acknowledgementspage 35
The pilot service provided support to vulnerable people with diverse needs who are unable to currently sustain a tenancy, which have previously lost a tenancy, who are homeless or inappropriately housed, or who are wanting to leave home and find independent accommodation in the Leeds area.
The pilot service provided a Modular Pre-tenancy training course, incorporating talks and interactive learning delivered by agencies local to Leeds at each session. It was developed between January and March and was run in March and April2009.
The course was spread over two weeks three modules per week lasting approximately three hours with lunch and breaks provided. There were two separate runs of the full 6 module course. These were held at Holdforth court training suite which was generously provided by St Anne’s for the duration of the Pre-tenancy training course.
The aim was to provide those with little or no experience of having their own tenancy’s the skills to secure a tenancy, finance it, live well on a budget and avoid debts, source furniture and paint to make thee accommodation a home, deal well with their neighbours, be safe and avoid difficulties that might lead to their eviction.
On completion the participants will be given a handbook with supplementary DVD which will act as a guide and future reference document, it will also help them source further information and contains a directory of support services including floating support to help them maintain their tenancy.
The information in the handbook; what it should include, what it must include, what could be put into the handbook, its accessibility and usefulness where all hotly debated by the scheme’s steering group. The steering group also discussed the practical format, timescales and number of modules to be delivered.
The Steering group comprised of:
LindaSherwood - Leeds Accredited Landlord scheme
Mary Anslow – Accredited Private Landlord
Paul Reid- West North West ALMO
Peter Howarth-English Churches Housing Group
CatherineHenderson- Leeds Supporting People
Joanne Rogers and Stephanie Brown- LeedsCityCreditUnion
Jason Butler- jumpnow / Green Property Solutions
Mary Booth and Gordon Chell- FaithLodge, St Georges Crypt
SueCater- Batley Foyer, Stonham
Francine Levin- Cube Lettings
Ziggy Munroe and Connie Alla- Holdforth Court,St Anne’s
MikeCamponi-LeedsCity Council Lettings Team
Alistair Lewsley- Dispersed Tenancy Team, Signpost
Temo Elbakidze- Greatplaces
EmmaHewitt and Dawn Fowler–Youth Offending Service
Denise McArdle- Pickardproperties
Philip Windle and Paul Broadhurst-Housing Options Team, Leeds City Council
Emily Spink- Social Services Student
Kelly Parker- South & North Leeds Tenancy Sustainment, Stonham
Michelle Pickles- Client Representative, former Pre-tenancy training client
Lucy Patterson- Consumer Credit Counselling Service
Linda Croal- Housing Benefit, Leeds Benefit Service
Catherine McClure- UBU care provider
Ronika Cunningham- Client Involvement Advisor, Stonham
Caroline Farquhar- Leeds Homeless Prevention Service, Stonham
Jenny McClure- Pathway Planning Team, Social Services
Jill Gunn- Environmental Health, Leeds City Council
The Steering group was selected to give a balance of agencies who could be a source of referrals and who typically advocate on behalf of the client or in this case prospective tenant in training and Landlords. It was important to identify the training needs, typical difficulties, fears and aspirations of our prospective client group. It was equally important to account for the wants, needs and worries of responsible Landlords. It was felt that without the Landlords being interested in the product, which is ultimately a better prepared tenant ready to take up the responsibilities of their new tenancy, the scheme could not produce real results for its clients.
FORMAT
A Handbook was given to participants on completion with all the details and useful numbers they will need to put what they have learned into practice. This contained a DVD of additional information.Participants also received a Certificate which they will use to make them more attractive to Landlords.
All sessions started by introducing what we are doing in today’s module and who the delivery partners will be. Worksheets would then ask individuals questions about WHAT THEY ALREADY UNDERSTAND about the subject such as – how do I apply for housing?What do I do if I’m homeless? Name five fuel tariffs?
The training co-ordinator then asked the group about their answers and wrote them on a flip chart, the delivery partners could use this as a reference; to pitch to the right level, dispel myths and challenge misconceptions. Every Delivery partner had a slightly different style of delivery and used different materials from PowerPoint to mock up fridges with 2D magnetised food.
Evaluation: Question sheets were completed at the start of each module and at the end. Each participants increase/decrease in correct answers was recorded. Participants were also give a questionnaire at the end of each module to ascertain its effectiveness as a whole and that of the different delivery styles
FORMAT ON THE DAY:
11am / 10mins / Introduction of modules subject matter and introduce delivery partners.11.10am / 10 mins / Participants complete a Question sheet to evaluate current knowledge of issues covered in the module
11.20am / 10 mins / Trainer discusses answers and gets participants to share with group, records common answers on a flip chart sheet which will remain on the wall.
11.30am / 10 mins / Break for Tea, coffee, cigarettes
11.40am / 15 mins / 1st Delivery partner
11.55am / 5 mins / Questions
12noon / 15 mins / 2nd Deliver Partner
12.15pm / 5 mins / Questions
12.20pm / 30 mins / Lunch
12.50pm / 15 mins / 3rd delivery Partner
1.05pm / 5 mins / Questions
1.10pm / 10 mins / Break for Tea, coffee, cigarettes
1.20pm / 10 mins / Summary
1.30pm / 10 mins / Participants complete Question sheet to evaluate level of knowledge now
1.40pm-
1.50pm / 10 mins / Participants complete brief questionnaire to evaluate training method what was fun what was not, what was useful what was not
The first module was delivered at 10.45am to allow an extra 15 minutes for Michelle Pickles, a participant of Stonham’s Batley Foyer who has been through Pre-tenancy training and now has a flat, to introduce the concept and let the participants know why they are there. Completion times varied as all delivery partners were expected to have a degree of flexibility. If the participants wanted to ask more questions and interact with the delivery partner there was enough flexibility to allow them to do so.
Delivery Partners
It was one of the primary aims of this Pre-Tenancy Training model that as much local expertise be used in its delivery as possible. Information was to come from experts representing their respective agencies who had access to the most up to date advice and intimate knowledge of their subjects. This was done in order to avoid the difficulties inherent in one trainer attempting to cover the wide range of subjects which were provided and to allow the participants to ask questions at source.
In designing the modules and in the content of the supporting material, including the handbook, individual meetings were held with delivery partners to supplement the advice outlined by the steering group. The Modules and their contents are as follows; Delivery Partner are in bold:
Module 1- Applying for housing
Delivery dates: Set 1-18th March Set 2- 15th April
This module being the first began with an introduction by John Pollock Pre-Tenancy Training Co-Coordinator. The aims of the project were discussed as was the open format in which participants were expected to play an active role stopping the delivery partners whenever they had a question or wanted clarification.
The aim of this module was to provide as wide a choice of housing options to the participants as possible and a realistic picture of their outcomes.
This was followed by a section called ‘Why are we here?’ delivered by Michelle Pickles. Michelle was a former resident at Stonham Batley Foyer and had completed their version of Pre-Tenancy training and recently moved into her own flat having achieved independent living. Michelle sat on the steering group and aided in determining the format and content of the modules.
The section ‘Why are we here?’ covered the concerns and aspirations typical to those seeking their own accommodation but having little experience. It also outlined the concerns Michelle had about Pre-Tenancy training and what she got out of it at the end.
In the first set a section called ‘Choice based lettings’ followed which gave information about the Leeds Homes Register, Housing associations, ALMO’s, Leeds City Council lettings policy, How to apply, how to get the correct priority, Change of circumstances, and bidding for properties. This was delivered by Paul Broadhurst and Denise Deveruax of Leeds city Council.
The next section was delivered by Phil Windle of Leeds Housing Options team. This described the changes, primarily in ethos, from the homeless advice and prevention service as Housing Options was previously. It also detailed the extra support that could be received from Housing Options team and the various Onestops. The homeless route was described in detail, what to do if you are homeless or at direct risk of homelessness.
The closing session was delivered jointly by Linda Sherwood of the Leeds City Council Accredited landlord Scheme and Mary Anslow herself landlord who is part of the scheme. They discussed the benefits of the scheme to both landlord and tenant in a frank and open manner.
In the second set of modules due to illness no one representing Leeds city council was able to attend. Mary Anslow delivered the section detailing the provision of private accommodation on behalf of the accredited landlord scheme. John Pollock delivered the sections on ‘Choice based lettings’ and ‘Housing Options and the homeless route’. The second set also ran a catch up session as many of the second round participants were unable to make the first day.
Module 2-Preparing to move
Delivery datesSet 1-19th March Set 2-16th April
The aim of this module was to provide coping strategies and reduce the stress of moving into accommodation. It was to provide advice on setting up your new tenancy and making the transition out of your old accommodation in a planned and forward thinking manner.
Module 2 began with a section entitled ‘Viewing an offer
Closing, your old tenancy and notice’. It was delivered bySue Caterof Stonham who also has over 20 years experience as a housing officer for a local authority. It covered; How to reasonably refuse an offer, How to give notice on a landlord andleaving a tenancy in good order. It covered the two problems of losing priority due to a refusal without grounds and building up arrears due to failing to close a tenancy correctly.
The next section ‘Housing benefit and dual housing benefit’ was delivered byLinda Croal of Leeds BenefitService. It covered applications,information on housing benefit and benefit/overlap when moving and serving a notice. It had an emphasis on whose responsibility housing benefit was and the usual pitfalls when making a claim and how to avoid them. It also contained a scenario- what is net difference between working and Housing Benefit.
The last section was delivered by Michelle PicklesClient Interest Representative and was entitled ‘Coping with change’. It tackled the stress of moving, leaving supported accommodation, reasonable expectations and getting a positive attitude. The second set ran as the first with John Pollock standing in for Sue Cater.
Module 3- Utilities & Managing your money
Delivery dates Set 1-20th MarchSet 2- 17th April
The modules aim was to better equip participants to have greater choice in managing their finances, to deal with financial exclusion and to reduce their bills and find savings. This should reduce the likelihood of debt and rent arrears. The module also detailed how to get out of debt and seek support if necessary. It also built on module two’s theme of getting things right from the start by providing a guide to setting up utilities and bill payments at the start of a tenancy.
This module began with a section on bank accounts, getting a bank account, types of account, bonds and bond banks and Leeds City Credit Union rent guarantee scheme. This was to be delivered by Joanne Rodgers of Leeds City Credit Union (LCCU) unfortunately LCCU were unable to send a representative to either session. It was instead delivered by John Pollock supported by outreach workers from Consumer Credit Counselling service. It covered the important issue of financial exclusion and managing rent payments either by the rent guarantee scheme run by LCCU or by setting up standing orders for the day your income arrives in your account.
Lucy Patterson of Consumer Credit Counselling service (CCCS) co-ordinated the middle section of this module about managing finances. It included; Shopping and bill paying on a budget, budget planning, avoiding debt, reducing debt, income, priority spending, everyday spending, occasional costs, credit expenses and debt.It was delivered in the first set by Sarah Williams and Jennie Duttonof CCCS’s outreach team and by Sarah Williams with Rebecca Freer of CCCS’s outreach team in the second set.
The final section of module 3 was delivered by John Pollock with details supplied by Alison Morrison of WHICH magazine. It described in detail; how to find out who your utility suppliers were when you move into your accommodation, the various payment methods and their benefits, understanding tariffs, setting up utilities and comparing and switching suppliers.
Module 4- Furnishing your home on a budget
Delivery datesSet 1-23rd MarchSet 2- 21st April
As both of the sections in this module were lengthier there was no third delivery partner. The modules aim was to dispel myths and inform the participants about accessing money from the Social Fund. There was also a large section on Re-use services in Leeds as it was felt that many evictions and abandonments are due to people not investing themselves in their accommodation. The last section of this module aims to help make a home out of accommodation.
The first section ‘Getting what you need from Social fund applications’ was delivered by Stonham’s Kelly Parker. It was based on training received from the Independent Review Service (IRS). The subject covered were; how to apply for a Community care grant/Crisis loan/Budgeting loan, understand and maximise your Community care grant/Crisis loan/Budgeting loan, what are essential items and what are not?, appealing against a decision and when and how to use Community care grant, Budgeting loans and Crisis loans.
The last section was delivered by Terry Kellyof Leeds and Mooretown Furniture Store Ltd and Paul Goundry of Hillside Furniture Centre. Together they have a wealth of experience of charitable, low cost furniture providers, Furniture Re-use Network services and other Re-use services in Leeds. They also drew upon their experience of peoples furnishing needs and discussed an exciting new approach to bridging gaps in provision. This section was an attempt to move from the beggars can’t be choosers approach to giving people on a low budget the widest choice possible. The subjects covered were; furniture Re-use stores (where and how), sourcing your items, prioritising your items, spending your CCG, filling your flat on a budget and how to co-ordinate your furniture with curtains and bedding to make a home.
Module 5- Safety in your Home
Delivery datesSet 1- 24th MarchSet 2- 22nd April
The aim of this module was to provide information on keeping yourself and your property safe.
The first section was delivered by Jill Gunn from the Environmental Health service. Subjects were Healthy Livingand Basic food hygiene. The module was mainly around avoiding food poisoning and the importance of general hygiene.
Fire Safety was delivered by Gordon WrightLeeds District Community Fire Safety Team Leadersupported byNazir Hussain in the first set and Nicola Gumersall in the second. The subjects covered were the speed and effects of fire, prevention and escape plans. The information was supplemented with DVD footage of real life house fires which were both sobering and engaging. The incidence of house fires was also expertly linked back to the practices of individuals in their home and basic steps to reduce risk.