The 1st July 2020 marks one year in service for our Bury Floating Support group. The free support and information service was set up by Bury Council and is delivered by The Calico Group. Its aim is to help individuals in the Bury area to maintain or find tenancies and support those struggling in their own home. To date, the team has already supported over 350 customers with a wide range of tenancy-related issues.
Bury Floating Support also provide supported accommodation across the Bury area for those unable to secure a tenancy due to their current circumstances. This short-term accommodation helps equip people with the necessary independent living skills required to secure and sustain a future tenancy. In the services first year, this accommodation has already supported 19 residents in the Bury area.
Bury Floating Support has established effective relationships with a range of organisations striving to improve lives and communities in the Bury area. Through appearances at the North West Landlords Association Forum, contributing to Bury Council’s 2030 Housing Strategy Planning and working closely with the local Rough Sleepers team, the service has strengthened ties with local private landlords and the wider housing sector.
“Bury Floating Support has proven invaluable in the effort to prevent and alleviate homelessness across Bury’s communities, providing early intervention and long-term tenancy solutions for those most at risk.” Kate Cunliffe, Homelessness services manager, Gateway
Despite the ongoing pandemic, Bury Floating Support are still providing vital support and advice to people across Bury struggling to maintain their homes and tenancies, or those threatened with or experiencing homelessness. To ensure the safety of both clients and staff, the service has adapted their practices and is providing support via telephone and video call where possible. Recently, the service has linked with local support providers to ensure those struggling during the pandemic have adequate support.
Cllr. Clare Cummins, Bury Council Cabinet Member for Housing Services said: “This service offers vital help to some of Bury’s most vulnerable people requiring tenancy support. The service has helped hundreds of people with practical advice and others with much needed accommodation. Now more than ever, with the challenges we all face during the coronavirus outbreak, we must ensure vulnerable people are supported, and it’s great to see that the service has adapted the way it works to ensure it can continue to deliver this vital lifeline and keep people safe.”