GREENFIELDS LAUNCHES FREE SUPPORT HELPLINE FOR OVER 10,000 TENANTS AND LEASEHOLDERS ACROSS THE BRAINTREE DISTRICT

Published by Donata Rio for Greenfields Community Housing in Housing and also in Care and Support, Communities

Greenfields Community Housing is funding a new Tenant Assistance Helpline, run by Positive People Company Worldwide (PPCW), to help tenants and leaseholders who need additional support and advice for anything ranging from divorce to debt. 

The decision to implement the helpline was driven by the Empowerment Group, one of Greenfields’ resident groups, to help provide practical advice and emotional support to thousands of tenants experiencing challenges in everyday life, such as the impact of welfare reform. The free, confidential service offers expert advice, medical information and specialist counselling which can be accessed 24 hours a day by phone or online.

Diane Foley, Head of Neighbourhoods at Greenfields, said: “The Empowerment Group decided to fund this service for a year as they feel that tenants could benefit from additional support on a huge range of issues, including: starting a new job, returning to work, managing money or debt - particularly in light of the upcoming Welfare Reform - budgeting, banking, childcare matters, dealing with family or personal crises, bereavement, divorce, separation, pension, tax, wills or retirement issues.”

Diane continued: “The helpline also provides access to information, advice or reassurance for tenants experiencing healthcare problems. We’re delighted to be working with PPCW on this initiative. We already offer the service to staff and our ‘involved’ residents but want to give all of our tenants the chance to use it too.  We know, it can be of real value in helping improve their health and well being.”

 Stephen Sherwood, Head of Operations who oversees the counselling and operations teams at PPCW, said: “Life throws up all-sorts of challenges for people on a daily basis.  Our partnership with Greenfields means that local residents will now be able to access support and advice from our network of specialist counsellors to help them work through these challenges before they become critical. ”

The service was made available to tenants from Friday 1^st March 2013.  Greenfields’ tenants and leaseholders may obtain further information by calling the Customer Services Centre at Greenfields on 01376 535400 or by visiting www.GreenfieldsCH.org.uk.