In 2021, Housing 21 launched a new scheme aiming to provide specialist training for employees to act as Tenancy Gurus. These colleagues are part of a commitment to helping residents sustain a healthy tenancy, preventing issues, such as rent and service charge arrears, before they arise. They’re also key to delivering Housing 21’s Helping Hands Fund, which offers residents a one-off grant for when something unexpected arises affecting their financial wellbeing.

In this episode of 21 Talks, host Nikki-Leigh Dipper, Business Improvement Officer at Housing 21, sits down with residents David and Emma (not their real names) who have both received support through our Tenancy Gurus initiative to share their experiences and advice on seeking financial support and advice. 

Next to them, are guest panellists and Court Managers Jessica Ettridge and Julie Izzard, who have both been heavily involved with the initiative to talk more about how this approach is enabling independent living through financial confidence, dignity and autonomy, as well as how it collectively saved residents £700,000 in its first year.

Episode time stamps

00:00 – Introduction

02:21 – Why was Tenancy Gurus first setup?

04:43 – Guests share their stories about the support the received through Tenancy Gurus

14:00 – Brief summary of what Helping Hands is

14:20 – Tenancy Gurus share their stories on support provided to residents

17:09 – More about the helping hands fund and Housing 21’s Make A Difference (MAD) days

18:47 – Information on how to apply for the Helping Hands fund

19:13 – Stories from guests and Tenancy Gurus about how Helping Hands has helped residents

26:10 – What’s next for Tenancy Gurus?

27:14 – Guests sum up the Tenancy Gurus initiative in one word

27:56 – Advice for listeners who are struggling to talk about money

29:15 – Outro

Further information: 

If you’re a Housing 21 resident interested in taking part in a future episode or have a topic you’d like us to explore on an upcoming episode, we’d love to hear from you by filling out this form.

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