Norwich City Council Homelessness and Worklessness Conference
Venue: Norwich
Dates:
- 21/10/2009
Tel: 01603 212 199
Email: saramartinez@norwich.gov.uk
At a time where the need for affordable housing is greater than ever, Norwich City Council is leading the way in developing solutions to the challenges many face in finding decent homes and work.
Norwich City Council is hosting a conference on 21 October at the Kings Centre, King Street for housing professionals, voluntary organisations and employers to share best practice.
Norwich city was one of just 12 councils selected by the department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) in 2008 to run an enhanced housing options scheme. This means not just focussing on getting people into accommodation but providing advice and links to training and employment.
With CLG funding, the council has developed the Learning, employment and accommodation project (LEAP), which is already proving invaluable in helping people back into work.
By talking to people, who present themselves to the council as in housing need and without work, about their skills, training and experience, the housing officer is able give advice on what may be the best way to get a job. More importantly, through contacts built up with other agencies including support services and education institutions, practical help in getting onto a course or into work is provided.
Councillor Brenda Arthur, executive member for housing and adult services says: “It is incredibly rewarding that we can help people who have struggled to find a home and maintain their tenancy, by getting them into training and employment.”
“We want to see how we can take the lessons learned and experience gained through the process forward and develop the model further. This is so more people can take advantage of what is being offered.”
One person who is being helped by the scheme is John Brough (see case study attached). To help him get back into the routine of work and in touch with skills he already has but which may have got a bit rusty, John is on a work placement at City Hall. He is working in the strategic housing team helping to co-ordinate an upcoming conference. Because of his experience he is proving a valuable member of the team and is also able to provide the team with the perspective of someone who is going through the scheme.
Tackling homelessness and worklessness conference - 21 October 2009
This is a conference for housing professionals, voluntary organisations and employers. Key speakers include leader of the council, Councillor Steve Morphew, representatives for the CLG, other pioneering councils as well as people, such as John, who are benefitting from the LEAP scheme.