Who we are.

A social housing provider for vulnerable adults and children and a passionate believer that we provide the most vulnerable in our society with the highest standard of care and accommodation through tailored support. We are an inclusive and diverse organisation committed to ensuring that all of our staff, residents and partners are treated fairly and equally and receive equal services and opportunities regardless of their race, religion, gender, sexuality, disability, age or any other ground that cannot be justified.

What we do.

We provide decent and affordable housing to the vulnerable. In doing so, we provide a clear route to independent living and community integration, provide help and support to anyone who needs our assistance and enable the vulnerable to regain their self-confidence and to build up the resources to turn their lives around. We provide a comforting environment as a stepping stone towards independent living and are dedicated to improving the futures of those who are vulnerable.In our development programmes, we agree upon attainable targets and provide practical support to achieve or maintain independent living.

Who is eligible.

We recognise as vulnerable anyone who faces difficulties at any time and who needs support to achieve or maintain independent living and/or maintain occupancy of their home. A person may be vulnerable because of a current problem or issue and not just because they belong to a specific group, such as the elderly. This situation may not be permanent and may result from a temporary issue, such as bereavement or a bout of mental illness.

The aim of holding hands.

Our aim is for the vulnerable to have a home which makes them feel secure and gives them security and safety in order to help them get back on their feet. In order to do this, we offer long secure tenancies and give vulnerable tenants a real “home to call their own”. Having a home gives them the confidence they need.

Holding hands against eviction.

Being constantly evicted via private landlords who offer short term tenancies and no assistance to the vulnerable person is very difficult for them to deal with. They can end up homeless or have no deposit and no idea where to turn to get assistance. As a result, they become homeless or are sofa surfing which leads to dysfunctional living, community problems and it being very hard to get back on their feet, find work, keep in touch with family and it becomes a one way street to problems. We can resolve these issues for people. When we talk about these people it could be you, you could have to leave your home due to a sale or a divorce or a violent partner, then where would you turn? We bring all the agencies together and can signpost you immediately and get you back on your feet with a direction to work towards, people only need a little help and guidance and we can help people immensely and we start with providing a safe and secure home.

How would you find a home tomorrow?

Imagine being thrown out of your own for whatever reason. How would you find a home tomorrow? Pause and think of that for a moment. Poor credit rating, little cash, no references for estate agents – we can guide people and get them back on their feet. And for those who then require more intensive care, we can provide this also but the first step is securing a safe place to live. Holding Hands aims to maintain balanced and sustainable communities. We believe that a strong community benefits from the inclusion of, and responds to the needs of, all its members, including those who are vulnerable. We recognise that Holding Hands has a moral responsibility to do what we can to ensure that vulnerable people are able to enjoy a good quality of life and to live as independently as possible with a place of your own to improve your life skills and ability to cope.

Our main aims are…

Supported living to promote your self-confidence.

Safeguarding for vulnerable adults and children.

Building strong, sustainable communities.

Demonstrating inclusivity in a positive way.

Providing assistance and support when, how and where it is needed.

Equality of the customer experience.

Independence is created by someone having assistance and support when and how they require it. It is not linked to the physical or intellectual capacity of a person to care for themselves without assistance. Our specific objectives are to ensure that we have effective arrangements in place to ensure the equality of the customer experience for all our residents and that no-one is disadvantaged as a result of their vulnerability and to enable our tenancies to thrive. Key national strategies relating to housing, social care, disabled people and older people all have the same vision – that all people, whatever their needs, have the right to lead their lives in the same way as any others, with the same opportunities and responsibilities, and to be treated with the same dignity and respect. They and their families and carers are entitled to the same aspirations and life chances as all other citizens.

The nature of assistance.

The nature of the assistance provided will depend on the level of vulnerability and the individual’s, or the household’s circumstances. Some assistance may be provided by us directly by directly employed staff or contracted staff posts, or via third parties. In many cases, it will be more appropriate for assistance to be provided by specialist, external agencies following a referral by us. Assistance may be short-term or longer term. Assistance may be time-limited with a view to encouraging an individual to alter their lifestyle and/or to gain the skills, motivation or confidence to move on to greater independence. Our aim is for the vulnerable to have a home which makes them feel secure and gives them security and safety in order to help them get back on their feet. In order to do this, we offer long secure tenancies and give vulnerable tenants a real “home to call their own”. Having a home gives them the confidence they need.

Resolving very real issues for very real people.

When we talk about these people it could be you, you could have to leave your home due to a sale or a divorce or a violent partner, then where would you turn? We bring all the agencies together and can signpost you immediately and get you back on your feet with a direction to work towards, people only need a little help and guidance and we can help people immensely and we start with providing a safe and secure home. Imagine being thrown out of your own for whatever reason. How would you find a home tomorrow? Pause and think of that for a moment. Poor credit rating, little cash, no references for estate agents…….we can guide people and get them back on their feet. And for those who then require more intensive care, we can provide this also but the first step is securing a safe place to live.