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Providing housing solutions to both the homeless and tenants, Leatherhead helps individuals on a low income as well as people facing poverty in Surrey. The client of the organisation will be able to access any assistance that may be available to them in partnership with their key worker. Some of the main programmes include access to temporary accommodations as well as a hostel. The charity also partners with landlords on providing individuals access to rent deposit schemes and even help with finding new accommodation.

Tenant support services and schemes from Leatherhead

They provide a rent deposit scheme for families on a low income and the homeless in Mole Valley. This is offered in partnership with the local council, charities, and landlords, and some people of Epsom may also be eligible. All the organisations partner together in an effort to provide affordable housing to the vulnerable and formerly homeless.

The scheme provides a wide range of services to individuals. First, a social worker from Leatherhead will help the person find a quality, affordable property to live in that is part of the private rented sector. There are landlords in Surrey that offer these types of units to the low income.

Once this has been located, they next step is to pay the deposit and often people struggle with this cost that is due from the landlord. So Leatherhead can provide individuals applications to a rent deposit scheme. This will only be for people with a low income and that are considered vulnerable. Many homeless people may also be eligible for this scheme as well.

The landlord of the private accommodation will also need to agree to participate, and Letterhead will mediate with the landlord to make this happen if it is needed. If they do agree, then an inspection of the property will take place. If the rent is affordable and the property is safe to live in, then Letterhead may be able to help the client pay for the rent deposit that is due.

Ongoing tenancy support is provided, and this will include job training, learning, and the other services below. This will be prioritised for people that participate in the rental deposit scheme. The tenant will have constant access to a specialist to answer questions and they can receive free advice on benefits and other solutions.

As part of the support, the key-worker will be able to work with the individual or family and provide them with constant support and advice. All needs can be addressed, whether it is food, clothing, or even furniture for the new home. All questions of the tenant will be answered and referrals available to services that they need.

Tenants will have access to learning development workers as part of the Leatherhead key-work process. The aim here is to ensure the client has the education and employment they need for stability. Regular visits will be conducted by the support worker after the tenant moves into their new accommodations.

They can access activities such as training, IT classes or workshops, and other job development and employment skills. Another aim is to help the client budget properly to improve their situation. A computer room will offer access for clients for creating CVs or conducting job searches online.

Temporary accommodations from Leatherhead

Leatherhead operates a hostel for a small number of individuals in Surrey. There are less than 20 bedrooms available in the smoke free environment. There are also some rooms that are accessible to people with a disability as well as couples with children. The location has a tenant support worker on site, who provide information on a number of services. The aim here is to also get the client into new, permanent housing in either the private sector or maybe even social housing.

When the person is ready to move on from the hostel, they can get help in applying for housing benefits which can be used for paying the rent on a new home. Referrals to charities, such as the Surrey Salvation Army, that offer furniture may available. Whatever it takes to help get the person into a new home, including aid for deposit, will be provided by a tenant support worker.

For more information on the Letterhead hostel or scheme programmes, ring them at 01372 377790. The office is located at 3 Church Road, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 8AT, and volunteers are on site to answer questions.