Housing in the West Midlands Chapter 7: Taking the initiative housing organisations support to local communities

Transcription

1 Housing in the West Midlands Chapter 7: Taking the initiative housing organisations support to local communities July 2013

2 Introduction The UK is facing challenging economic times. The weak state of the economy and the government s austerity measures to reduce the deficit, including welfare reform, are having a significant impact on the West Midlands, on the housing industry and on local people. CIH nationally has been calling for housing to be at the forefront of efforts to kick start economic growth since Our submission to the Spending Round 2013 demonstrated how government investment in affordable housing could address the housing crisis and drive economic growth, through grant and equity funding for new affordable housing and by raising the debt allowed to local authorities to provide new homes (for more information visit CIH spending review submission). This call to set housing centrally in the agenda to drive economic growth is echoed by CIH members in the regions. CIH West Midlands Board is committed to raising the profile of the housing industry in the West Midlands, and demonstrating its contribution to achieving regional growth and wellbeing. During 2013, it will work with its members, partners and stakeholders to: identify the impacts of government policy and investment decisions on housing in the region work to influence national and local decision makers, to support local investment and decisions that help to increase the provision of decent affordable housing across all tenures to meet local needs support its members to be confident ambassadors for housing in all arenas, with partners, investors and communities. As part of this commitment, the Board have commissioned this paper, which looks at the state of housing in the West Midlands region. It provides a picture of the trends and challenges facing the industry and local communities. It aims to provide a reference point for members seeking to know and understand the state of the region, to help when developing conversations and offers for local partners and investment/ policy decisions. The Board is developing a complementary document, highlighting the impact of key government policies to date, to shape the influencing and lobbying of the WM Board and members. This will be available from This paper contains information about: 1. Housing and the economy 2. Household and population projections 3. Housing need: tenure and access 4. Housing issues: tenure and access 5. Employment and income 6. Welfare reform and impacts for the region 7. Taking the initiative: housing organisations support to local communities 8. Appendix 2

3 7. Taking the initiative - housing organisations support to local communities As landlords and significant partners in local areas, housing organisations are well placed to understand the challenges facing local communities in respect of gaining employment or training. Housing organisations in the region are proactive in supporting tenants to gain employment, education and training opportunities. Many invest significant amounts into this work, and are successful in levering in other funding. Several work in partnership to deliver programmes of support more widely across communities; this chapter focuses on some examples of practice and achievement in the region. This chapter is one that CIHWM would like to grow to share effective practice and support across the region. Please send your examples to sarah.davis@cih.org Aspire Group Aspire Group is committed to the regeneration of neighbourhoods across Staffordshire, and provides housing, training and neighbourhood services. The group includes Aspire Housing, Enterprising Futures and the Realise Foundation. Enterprising Futures, the social enterprise arm, consists of several organisations including PM Training, which provides over 1,800 high quality training and employment opportunities each year over four local authorities in Staffordshire. The Realise Foundation, the corporate charity, supports lifelong learning and apprenticeships through funding equipment, bursaries etc. Aspire develops services to enable a comprehensive and tailored package of support, personalised to the client s needs (including, for example, welfare benefits advice and tenancy support), designed to address their barriers to engage with employment and training. So knowing their customer base at first point of contact and beyond underpins the approach to providing information and advice and developing interventions. Across the range of its organisations, Aspire is committed to increasing its range and impact across four key employment and skills activities: Identifying clients to support in preparing for work Enhancing skills and employability Maintaining and supporting employment retention Stimulating business growth and demand for labour Aspire has won several external contracts to deliver training and support across the wider local community. Highlights in the last 12 months include: 362 local people supported into paid employment 1505 local people supported with skills development, training and volunteering opportunities Over 400 companies taking on a learner or apprentice Over 800 companies working with PM Training to develop opportunities 3

4 350 apprenticeships started and 383 completed (2011/12) Increased opportunities within Aspire for apprenticeships, amounting to 10 per cent of the workforce, reducing use of temporary/ agency staff 75 per cent positive progression of young people into sustained employment (over 6 months), and 16.2 per cent of people over 25 Winning a national award for tackling worklessness. Case study C Beginning of support: a young man, C, was referred to Employment & Skills by the Tenancy Sustainability Officer in February 2013 his father wanted him to work on the railways, which he did to please his father, but he always wanted to work as an accountant C has epilepsy which had health and safety implications in the heavy engineering work environment, and this lead to him having to leave his job C wanted to realise his ambition to become an accountant but had no idea where to start. Support given: the officer discussed with C the impact his epilepsy may have in a different work environment, particularly working with computers. It was identified that he suffers from stress-related epilepsy, not photo-sensitive, so office-based work environment would be suitable together the officer and C researched suitable training opportunities in the local area college had an 11 week book keeping course starting in April, but there was a fee of 185 was paid for from the Barriers Fund. This course was a precursor to the AAT Level 2 certificate in accounting, which would be a full year course starting in September C enrolled onto an adult basic skills course to brush up his English and maths skills. He started this course in March and was intended to ease him back in to education. unfortunately C had an epileptic fit on his way to one of the classes, and this severely impacted on his confidence. He also had some family issues which affected his motivation so much so that he considered not going forward with the book keeping course the officer and C had an in-depth guidance and motivational conversation by phone and C decided to enrol after all a college pack of writing pad, plastic wallets and folders was put together which C very much valued and to which he added a posh pen. Outcomes of support: C started on a path towards achieving his training and employment ambition he changed his outlook and has now started to focus on positive things in his life what he can influence and what he can achieve. He has become happier and more confident C has now completed his book keeping course and will get his results in August 4

5 C is very keen to continue learning his college tutor has put him forward for a finance apprenticeship, and if unsuccessful in this he will enrol onto the AA2 Level 2 accountancy qualification in September. The officer liaised with the college and confirmed that JSA/ESA claimants will get tutor fees paid for by the college, leaving a shortfall of around 250 for the books, affiliation to AAT, and the exam (which will be covered by the RealiseFoundation) although it was a struggle at first C now feels very motivated to achieve his goals, and continues to thrive due to his new attitude and viewpoint. from C: After the help and support that I ve received from you I'm happy for you to write and publish anything about me, I'm working really hard now to get what I want it was so difficult at first just trying to get the motivation, but it soon gets easier and the easier it gets the more I want to push myself so that I'm still being challenged. So thank you for all of your time and support you will never know how much it is appreciated. Case study S Beginning of support: S initially came to an Aspire Job Club in August 2012 after finding out about the service via a friend. S had background in the construction trades/civil engineering and railway construction Disclosed that he was an alcoholic but hadn t drank alcohol for 3 years He needed a CV and support to access his s to contact future employers. Support given: Development of a CV which was ed to several contacts. In depth guidance interviews were undertaken to explore his barriers to work and provide some solutions to move S back into employment Intensive support was established to support his job search S was offered employment after 3 weeks by a civil engineering firm and reentered the workplace. Post-employment support was offered as due to the nature of his roles contracts were often short S contacted the service again in March this year as he had been out of work for 3 months Was feeling de-motivated and unhappy about his current situation. He had no money, his car had failed its MOT and he was not applying for jobs due to his current mental health. S took part in motivational interviews and developed a more positive,. Proactive approach. Discussion included long and short term goals that made him feel much better about his personal circumstances. 5

6 Outcomes of support for S: He again found employment in a relatively short time Was very appreciative of the support offered by Aspire Group Is able to job search more effectively and independently His mental health improved and he was able to start motivating himself again He now supports people who are experiencing difficulties with alcohol at the local support Centre Feels better about himself and his communication skills have vastly improved including his telephone skills. Contact: Nina Walker nwalker@aspiregroup.org.uk The Community Housing Group The Community Housing Group (TCHG) is the principal housing association in Wyre Forest. It provides training and support for tenants, with nearly 60 successfully completing a Level 1 Employability programme over the last year. The programme provides 60 guided learning hours, and a work placement in a job area of their choice. As a result of its programme, the group has seen 24 young people (18-24) and 5 people over 25 find sustained employment of more than 6 months. Within the Group there is Oakleaf Grounds Services, a specialist grounds and environmental company based in Kidderminster and Vestia Community Trust; the community arm of the group. Each year, Oakleaf recruit seasonal workers, and working with Vestia, Oakleaf have ensured these jobs are targeted at helping unemployed tenants or members of their household into work. This was achieved through Vestia s employability programme which was designed to help people back into work by equipping them with the skills to secure and retain a job. The training includes work around team building, completing an application form and preparing for an interview. The Program also includes period of work experience and mock interviews with Managers from TCHG who provide feedback to candidates. The programme has been developed by Vestia Community Trust working in partnership with Job Centre Plus (Kidderminster) and Worcester College of Technology. As part of the programme there is a period of work experience. This gave the learners the opportunity to display what they could do to their potential employer. If they completed the programme and secured the level 1 qualification, learners were guaranteed an interview which allowed them to put into practice their newly acquired skills. For the seasonal worker vacancies a special session was put on for learners who where interested in these positions. At the time of their enrolment onto the employability programme they were all out of work, and had been for different periods of time. 6

7 The learners agreed that the skills acquired in order to reach the interview stage of a job opportunity was one of the highlights of the scheme as it was something that they had not encountered previously. Ed, who had previous experience of building work, said the main benefit he had got from the scheme was being able to properly fill out an application form and writing a CV. The other key skills I learnt was preparing for an interview and the techniques to use. Also being taught how to ask the right questions in an interview was helpful added Ed. Joe pointed out that the programme had helped to build relationships and communication in the work place. It had helped as the group who were taken on went through the employability scheme at the same time. As all of them had been employed before, wages were an incentive as they are to anyone. So after gaining skills to firstly acquire employment the group were keen to display what they could do on the job in their work experience. For Richard working on the grounds was something new to him as he had previously worked as a delivery driver before being made redundant. Working outside was something I had never done before and that is what appealed to me, it would be a better experience and doing something different, said Richard. For them all to have been taken on as Seasonal Workers has been great for the programme but more importantly for the guys themselves. Firstly, they are no longer unemployed and it has given them a purpose. Secondly, they are earning a wage. I am much happier in myself now as I am earning a wage After being made redundant at Christmas, ensuring I was earning regular money was important, remarked Ed. Joe is also of similar thinking as he had seen a considerable jump in his wages as he had previously undertaken a two year apprenticeship before being made redundant. Mark had been a self employed plumber for ten years and decided to close his business after work had begun to dry up and before he lost any money. He had benefitted from the employability programme especially with regard to the interview skills, similar to the rest of the group. Having worked for himself for so long it had been some time since having an interview. The main help for me has been relieving the stress of worrying about getting work and running everything on my own. I know that I am coming into work every day and when I am getting paid, said Mark. 7

8 Kevin, Senior Ground Maintenance Supervisor at Oakleaf, has been really pleased with the group in terms of work and the way they have conducted themselves since joining Oakleaf. Firstly we took them on as work experience where they all proved themselves, they were really good. For some it was a test for them as it was a little bit different to what they had experienced before. All of them interviewed well on their own merits and we were delighted to offer them positions, which they are now doing a great job in, commented Kevin. Contact: Vikki Greenfield vikki.greenfield@vestia.org.uk Sandwell Council Sandwell Council s Neighbourhoods Co-ordinator for Sandwell leads a project called Home 2 Work. This project is aimed at supporting tenants into work or other progression routes. The project is based around an eight week work experience training placement. Around 14 months ago D was referred to the project by a colleague from Job Centre Plus. He was 18 years old and was finding it really difficult to get a job or an apprenticeship. His confidence and self esteem was quite low due to issues from his childhood, which he shared with the Neighbourhood Coordinator. Support was developed to help D overcome his barriers and help him achieve his goal. This was developed in discussion with D, whose openness helped to ensure an effective action plan could be developed, which included a work experience placement and training plan. He was also connected to the SMBC Think Local team who support young people in finding apprenticeships. D spent the first 4 weeks of his placement within the Cape Hill Estate Office admin team learning a number of new skills including filing, ing, dealing with customers both face to face and over the telephone. The latter came in very useful later on in the process. D related that he had really enjoyed learning new skills but the best part of the placement was working with the team and feeling valued. It had helped to improve his self confidence and he was looking at life in a much more positive way. The Think Local team asked D to apply for an apprenticeship as a Customer Services advisor with a local company called Langley Business Systems. Initially it was thought that this would give him valuable experience in the application and interview process. He was helped to complete his application form and he attended an interview skills workshop before being told he had been shortlisted for interview. He attended the interview and was successful. 8

9 Within 4 weeks of meeting the Neighbourhood Coordinator and working with Sandwell Homes he had achieved his goal. He continued on the placement until he had an official start date with his new employer, still learning and improving his confidence. During the first few months in his new apprenticeship support continued by text message and occasional phone call, just to ensure that he was doing well and be available to support him if required, but everything was going well. D recently texted with some great news: his apprenticeship had come to an end and he had now been offered a permanent job with Langley Business Systems as a customer services advisor with much improved term and conditions. D s journey from being an unemployed teenager with low self esteem and confidence to being a well adjusted, positive thinking working adult with excellent prospects for the future shows that the process works well, but the key to this success was D s enthusiasm and willingness to learn. Contact: Dave Salt dave_salt@sandwellhomes.org.uk 9

10 About CIH The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) is the independent voice for housing and the home of professional standards. Our goal is simple to provide housing professionals with the advice, support and knowledge they need to be brilliant. CIH is a registered charity and not-for-profit organisation. This means that the money we make is put back into the organisation and funds activities we carry out to support the housing sector. We have a diverse and growing membership of over 22,000 people who work in both the public and private sectors, in 20 countries on five continents across the world. About CIH West Midlands CIH West Midlands are a regional board whose role is to: promote membership and support members in the West Midlands raise profile awareness of the importance of housing, through: o regular events that focus on key policy issues affecting members and sharing good practice o producing a regular ezine and offer key documents, for example, this policy document and supporting materials o lobbying key bodies locally and regionally and through CIH Nationally CIH West Midland Regional Board have nearly 1900 members across, local government, RSLs and the private rented sector. To find out more about getting involved contact celeste.deakin@cih.org Housing in the West Midlands Brief summary about CIH WM Researcher: Henryk Adamczuk Additional material and editing: Sarah Davis Commissioner editors: WM Regional Board Policy Sub Group July