1. Housing Support Gypsies & Traveller Families Charlie Gibbons

2. Background Tenancy Sustainment Officer post implemented in 2005 due to high volume of tenancy failures Estate Manager for Gypsies & Traveller Families post created in 2007 Abandoned properties & evictions High incidences of impaired literacy skills Homelessness Act 2002 Poor health, educational attainment & low take up of benefits

3. Information It is estimated that one third of Gypsy & Traveller Families now live in ‘bricks & mortar’ accommodation Gypsies & Traveller Families may give up their lifestyle for various reasons Housed into unsuitable properties/areas Lack of awareness amongst mainstream services in dealing with the settled Gypsy & Traveller Community

4. Estate Management Provision of holistic housing support to all Gypsies & Traveller Families wishing to access Housing in Wolverhampton Families living as part of mobile groups, on sites & in other housing Support supplemented by Housing Support Plan

5. Service Aims Prevent Homelessness Minimise risk of tenancy failure Promote independent living Facilitate multi-agency/partnership working Promote sustainable communities & improve social cohesion

6. How support is delivered Referrals accepted from all agencies & partner organisations Referrals accepted via telephone, email and self referral Assistance provided with completing Housing Application forms Support with bidding - CBL

7. Holistic Housing Support Sign-up of properties involve Lettings Team and Estate Manager Support in ‘setting up home’ Support in accessing Education, Health & Welfare Benefit provision

8. Holistic Housing Support Ongoing Tenancy Support provided to families with various support needs Welfare Benefits assessment Referrals to Education Registration with GP’s Assessment of Disabilities Homewatch Scheme Subsidised Alarm Scheme

9. Statistics – 5 years Currently supporting 42 housed Gypsies & Traveller Families 5 Families identified as having disability needs No live ASB cases 1 eviction 2 abandonments

10. Social Cohesion Promotion of Tenant Participation Valuing Cultural traditions Improved access to local services

11. Caravan Management Tenants requested to ask for permission to park trailers on properties Permission granted based on circumstances Injunction

12. Referral Information 85% Wolverhampton Homes 10% WMCESTC 3% Children’s Centre 2% Self Referral

13. Any Questions?