Housing

Creativity Shines at the Better Together Community Expo

Creativity Shines at the Better Together Community Expo

The Better Together Community Expo was more than just an event; it was a testament to the power of community and collaboration. Among the many highlights were the incredible contributions from a local hairdresser, reflexologist, student filmers, and creative artist. Here’s a closer look at their collaborative efforts and reflections on the day.

The Hairdresser’s Touch

Our local hairdresser, Kenny, brought a unique and personal touch to the Expo. Offering complimentary haircuts, Kenny not only boosted confidence but also created an opportunity for meaningful interactions.

It was fantastic to see so many smiling faces. Providing haircuts allowed me to connect with people on a personal level and offer a bit of self-care during the event.” – Kenny

Healing Through Reflexology

Louis, our skilled reflexologist, offered calming and therapeutic hand massage sessions with homemade herbal remedies that added a wellness dimension to the Expo. His services were a hit, providing much-needed relaxation and stress relief to attendees.

“I loved contributing to the community’s well-being. The Expo was a wonderful platform to introduce people to reflexology and its benefits.” – Louis

Capturing Moments: The Student Film Makers

Two talented student film makers, Renne and Kayla from Southwark College, documented the day’s activities, capturing the essence of the Expo. In the true spirit of partnership, their work will help us share the event’s impact and memories with a wider audience as well as giving them work to add to their portfolio. Check out their work below.

Creativity in Action

Giorgio, our creative artist, engaged attendees with interactive art sessions. These activities not only provided a creative outlet but also fostered a sense of connection and expression.

 “Art has a way of bringing people together, and this event was a perfect example of that. Seeing participants express themselves and connect through creativity was truly rewarding.” – Giorgio

Through the Lens: The Local Photographer

Our local photographer, Julian played a crucial role in preserving the memories of the Expo. With an eye for detail, Alex captured the vibrant moments and the essence of community spirit throughout the day.

 “It was a pleasure to photograph such a dynamic and positive event. Capturing the smiles, interactions, and energy of the day was incredibly rewarding.” – Julian

A Heartfelt Thank You

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Kenny, Louis, our student filmers, and Giorgio for their incredible contributions. Their collaborative spirit added a unique and enriching dimension to the Better Together Community Expo, making it a memorable experience for all.

Stay tuned for more updates about future events. Together, we continue to build a stronger, more connected community.

 

Posted by kineara in Community, Education, Employment, Event, Housing, Latest
Strengthening Housing Connections for Southwark’s Refugees

Strengthening Housing Connections for Southwark’s Refugees

Kineara was invited by Southwark Law Centre in October 2023 to provide help in response to the growing demand for housing support among new refugees, following changes in asylum seeker processing by the Home Office. 

We have since been supporting refugees attending a weekly drop-in surgery at the St Giles Centre, established by the Southwark Refugee Communities  Forum, to assist those granted the right to remain in finding accommodation in the Private Rented Sector (PRS). 

At the surgeries we provide advice and information about the initial stages in finding a tenancy including: 

  • An overview of how the PRS operates, including roles and responsibilities of tenants and landlords. 
  • Guidance on where and how to search for available properties effectively. 
  • Information on what tenancy agreements entail, including key terms and conditions to be aware of. 
  • Best practices for communicating with landlords, including tips for successful and respectful interactions. 
  • Advice on how to present oneself during property viewings to make a positive impression. 
  • Tips on assessing affordability based on income and local housing allowance, ensuring that potential tenants can sustainably manage their rental payments. 
  • The basic rights and responsibilities of tenants to help refugees understand their legal standing. 

Accessing PRS housing is challenging for refugees because of language barriers coupled with limited knowledge and understanding of the complex housing process in the UK. 

In addition to the weekly drop-in sessions, Kineara recently hosted an event in partnership with Southwark Law Centre and Citizens Advice at the St Giles Centre. The event provided comprehensive information on searching for and renting PRS properties, as well as basic tenants’ rights. It was well attended and positively received, addressing the information gap for individuals and organisations operating in this space, regarding available support. The success of this event highlights the need for more collaborative efforts and partnerships in the form of such workshops.

Attendance to the drop-in surgery rose exponentially as eviction of people from ‘NASS’ or Asylum Seeker accommodation increased. These evictees are considered low priority for housing, leading to increased homelessness, which has negatively affected local councils and wider communities. The council is not obligated to provide housing for individuals impacted by these changes. Consequently, the demand for Kineara’s support services has surged, but with limited capacity at present, not everyone who visits the weekly drop-in service can be seen.

– Sandra Axell, Housing Projects Manager, Kineara.

Challenges and issues with existing provisions identified  

Most of the individuals Kineara has  supported through the distress of homelessness are over 35 years old and qualify for an exemption to the shared accommodation LHA rate. We have found that those under 35 face significant challenges in finding accommodation due to several barriers, including: 

  • Availability of Affordable Properties: There are not many rooms for rent at the Local Housing Authority (LHA) rates in London. The average cost for a room in 2024 is £935 22% higher than the previous year. Overall, there are less rooms available to rent than before the pandemic, due to higher demands and less stock. 
  • Unregistered Landlords: Some landlords who are renting out rooms at a lower cost are not registered and therefore not eligible for council incentive payments. This means that even though the person has been offered accommodation, they are not able to accept it. 
  • A Lengthy Incentive Process: Another obstacle is the time it takes to provide landlords with incentives, which negatively affects individuals trying to secure a property after viewings. Essentially the incentive process is too slow.
  • Holding Deposits and Tenant Financial Strain: Letting agencies and landlords commonly request a holding deposit from all prospective tenants following property viewings. This deposit, typically equivalent to one week’s rent, is deducted from the security deposit upon signing the tenancy agreement. However, for many individuals reliant on benefits, saving up for this deposit poses significant difficulty and time constraints.
  • Language Barriers: Many of the refugees Kineara supports have limited English proficiency. Consequently, they require assistance in communicating with landlords or agencies during property viewings, including asking pertinent questions and addressing any inquiries posed by the agency. Additionally, support is needed for form completion and explaining the crucial aspects of the tenancy agreement in a comprehensible manner. The language barrier also raises concerns for landlords regarding the sustainability of a tenancy if communication between both parties is likely to be challenging and/or if it is perceived that the tenant will be unable to independently deal with things like setting up utility bills and managing any changes to benefits like Universal Credit, for example.
  • Credit Assessment Hurdles: Providing references and conducting affordable checks for refugees who lack any prior tenancy or employment history makes it impossible to establish creditworthiness.
  • LHA Increases and the Benefits Cap: The recent LHA increase in 2024 could negatively impact single individuals who are not exempt from the benefit cap which limits the benefits a single person can receive to £1,413.94 per month (unless they are earning more than £722 per month or receiving disability benefits). Since the LHA for studio or one-bedroom properties is now around £1,300 to £1,400 per month, those who are unemployed or not receiving disability benefits will be unable to afford these properties. 

Partnerships 

In response to some of the challenges presented above, Kineara has formed partnerships with Southwark Works and Reed in Partnership to help clients find employment. However, there is additional issue with those who are already homeless after eviction from hotels as they cannot provide an employer with an address.  

On this programme, Kineara will continue to partner with the housing and resettlement team at Southwark Council who are supporting the refugees, as well as utilising our contacts with landlords and letting agencies to find properties. Kineara is also working closely with St Mungo’s to link up anyone sleeping rough with their outreach team. We are also collaborating with the Southwark Refugee Communities Forum and Southwark Day Centre to support clients and receive referrals for the programme.  

Reflection 

As we have seen from our wider interventions, sustaining a tenancy also depends on healthy connections to the local community. For refugees this is especially true when starting again in a new country and in light of the traumas that have caused them to flee their home country. Support is needed to find and register with health services and access other community provisions for health and wellbeing, as well as learning and employment opportunities, if future tenancies when found, are to be sustainable. 

Our hope is that we are able to secure funding to develop and deliver this impactful work in line with the challenges and gaps in the current provisions we have identified. This project acts as a prototype in evidencing the need for a joined up, holistic approach to delivering sustainable outcomes for refugees to integrate securely and successfully into society. 

Posted by kineara in Housing, Latest
Better Together Event Brings Community Spirit to Life

Better Together Event Brings Community Spirit to Life

The Better Together Community Expo, held last week at Mercato Metropolitano in Elephant and Castle, showcased the power of community collaboration and support. Organised by Kineara, the event brought together local landlords, service providers, and individuals seeking advice on housing, education, and employment opportunities, creating a vibrant and productive atmosphere.
 

The Expo saw a great turnout, with attendees benefiting from the collective expertise and services provided by various partners. The Skills Centre, Southwark Private Renters’ Project, Berkeley Group, Fat May’s, The Princes Trust, Southwark College, Reed in Partnership and National Energy Action were among the notable organisations offering their support. Additionally, local professionals such as hairdresser Kenny, reflexologist Louis, and artist Giorgio provided complimentary services that added a unique touch to the event. Peckham Soup Kitchen kindly prepared and served hot food funded by Berkeley Group in Mercato Metropolitano’s community kitchen, and the event was filmed by students from Southwark College. 
 

Commenting on the event, Maria Morgan, Founder of Kineara, said  

 “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to the success of this event. The sense of community spirit was truly inspiring, and we are committed to continuing our efforts to support and uplift our community.”
 

Our community partners were in agreement and had this to say:
 

“Thank you to everyone at Kineara for an incredible event that showcased an inspiring collective of individuals and local agencies making a real-time impact on communities. The commitment and enthusiasm displayed by all participants will undoubtedly enhance outcomes for the community and foster new partnerships”. 

– Alex Kylen, Strategic Manager, Omnia Housing 

 

“The event was very inspiring – it has inspired me to do more and work more with people. The name of the event really highlights truth in that as a community we are better together as I made a lot of connections and can now help more people.” 

– Omoze Edeki, National Energy Action 

 

The Expo highlighted the importance of building strong community connections and providing comprehensive support to those in need, facilitating interactions between landlords, housing groups and potential tenants as well as offering valuable advice and services in education and employment. 

 

“I loved every minute of the event. It was very instructive. A face-to-face meeting or encounter with public service officials is always preferrable to email and Zoom meetings. I learned a great deal on the day and it was a pleasure speaking to Kineara and to others.

– Delight Amatoby, attendee

A special thanks was also given to Mercato Metropolitano for hosting the Expo in their sustainable space, which perfectly aligned with the event’s focus on community and collaboration. 

As the Better Together Community Expo concludes, Kineara looks forward to building on this momentum and continuing to foster connections that benefit the community. Kineara  remains dedicated to providing support and resources that empower individuals and strengthen community ties. 

Posted by kineara in Community, Education, Employment, Event, Housing, Latest
Kineara Pilots Housing Advice Surgery at Surrey Square Primary School in Southwark to Tackle the Impact of Poor Housing on Education Outcomes

Kineara Pilots Housing Advice Surgery at Surrey Square Primary School in Southwark to Tackle the Impact of Poor Housing on Education Outcomes

In a new initiative and in partnership with Surrey Square, Kineara is taking an active stance in helping parents with housing issues that are impacting the lives of its students and their families. With approximately 30% of Surrey Square School’s pupils residing in temporary accommodation, there is urgent need to address the vital link between poor housing and worsened educational outcomes. 

Housing and Education

The link between housing stability and educational success is well-documented. Children experiencing living conditions that are insecure, unpredictable, far from school or lacking in adequate facilities often face numerous challenges that can hinder their learning and development.

Poor housing conditions such as those that are damp or overcrowded can also have a profound impact on the physical and mental health of children, further disrupting their ability to engage in school activities and maintain consistent attendance.

The cost of housing also contributes to food poverty meaning many children turn up to school hungry and not in a good physical or mental position to learn or concentrate.

The situations I have witnessed at the school highlight the immense stress and burden faced by parents and guardians. There is a prevailing sense of guilt due to the crisis they are navigating, and it is evident how this stress affects their children, who become hostages to their parents’ struggles. This impact extends to both the children’s well-being and their academic achievements.

– Queenie Rushton, Housing Support Practitioner, Kineara

Addressing Housing Issues 

For these reasons, the drop-in surgery at Surrey Square Primary School aims to provide much-needed housing advice to parents and carers who are struggling with housing issues. Kineara will be supporting parents and carers experiencing problems with temporary accommodation, private renting, as well as providing advice on connecting with Southwark council, mediating with private landlords, providing direct support, and signposting for support with the interrelated issues of physical and mental health, employment, and financial concerns.    

At Surrey Square Primary School, we have a long history of carrying out meaningful and impactful family work, including supporting many families whose housing conditions fall well below expected and acceptable standardsWe have therefore been delighted to pilot this project in collaboration with colleagues at Kineara, and have welcomed their expertise and detailed case-work for our most vulnerable families. We have already seen the positive impact of this and are keen to continue seeing the fruits of this partnership

 – Fiona Carrick-Davies, Family & Community Co-ordinator 

By addressing housing issues head-on, Surrey Square Primary School is taking a proactive approach to tackle the cycle of disadvantage that many of its students face. This support can empower families to make informed decisions and improve their living conditions. 

Commenting on the new partnership, Kineara’s founder Maria Morgan said:

We are hopeful that this model will demonstrate and reinforce the value of connecting with and supporting people in the very places where the effects of housing inequality are evidenced. All too often we hear about teachers having to act as housing workers for their student’s families, because the housing emergency is so desperate.

By addressing one of the root causes of educational disparities and actively supporting families dealing with housing challenges, support like this, if extended into other educational environments, could allow teachers to focus on teaching. This emergency is detrimentally impacting everyone across the education system -parents, teachers, and most sadly, children who all deserve the foundation of a stable home.

The connection between housing, health, and educational outcomes is undeniable. This initiative underscores the importance of holistic approaches to education and serves as an inspiration for other schools to follow suit. 

Kineara hopes to work with more schools, by offering housing advice to families facing housing insecurity.  

Posted by kineara in Education, Housing, Latest
Challenges Being Faced by Newly Processed Refugees Trying To Find Housing in London

Challenges Being Faced by Newly Processed Refugees Trying To Find Housing in London

London has long been a destination for people seeking refuge from their war-torn or unstable home countries. However, the road to safety and stability for asylum seekers in the UK’s capital is far from smooth, as our housing team are seeing first hand. In this blog, we will shed light on the challenges faced by refugees in London when it comes to finding accommodation, and Kineara’s support of a looming crisis in Southwark.


A Growing Crisis

Across the UK since August 2023, the British Red Cross has reported a 140% increase in the number of people with refugee status becoming destitute. London is no exception to this: The asylum-seeking population in London is on the rise, with an estimated 1,200 individuals in Southwark alone expected to be processed and receive refugee status towards the end of 2023. The majority lack priority status for housing, making their path towards finding a safe and stable home all the more challenging.

To make matters worse, once an asylum seeker is granted refugee status, the Home Office serves eviction notices from the temporary accommodations in which they have been residing (hotels and hostels, sometimes even through private landlords).  Many charities are reporting that the notice period of this eviction from TA for refugees has fallen from 28 days to around 7 days as the government attempts to clear the huge backlog of asylum seekers by the end of 2023. This looming threat only adds to the anxiety and uncertainty they face daily, including the prospect of rough sleeping.

Delayed Access to Benefits

Newly processed refugees cannot approach local authorities for support or apply for Universal Credit until they receive their biometric residence permit (BRP) card. Unfortunately, processing delays can result in refugees having a highly unrealistic few days to set up benefits and secure accommodation, adding to the urgency and stress of their situation.

Understanding the Housing Market

Understanding the housing market and its processes is a daunting task for refugees. With little to no prior knowledge of how things work in the UK, they may find themselves vulnerable to exploitation, discrimination, and substandard living conditions.

The Language Barrier

A key obstacle refugees encounter in finding housing is the language barrier. Many do not speak English, making it difficult to navigate the complex world of housing in a foreign country. This linguistic challenge can lead to miscommunications and misunderstandings with landlords and authorities, or simply not knowing where to start.

The Financial Strain

For those under 35 and lacking priority status, the financial challenge is monumental. With only approximately £515 available through London Housing Allowance, the dream of finding affordable accommodation becomes increasingly elusive. Rents in London and its outskirts are skyrocketing due to high demand and limited supply, making it nearly impossible for asylum seekers to secure safe and affordable housing.

Moreover, many rental agencies do not prioritise tenants on housing benefits (DSS), narrowing to the already limited housing options.

Lack of Local Authority Support

Asylum seekers often find themselves alone in this battle. Local authorities do not offer support to refugees seeking accommodation in the Private Rented Sector. This lack of assistance further exacerbates the struggles they face when trying to secure a place to live.

Addressing the Issue in Southwark

Kineara has joined a task force established by Southwark Law Centre to address this crisis. Within this group, our intention is to participate in a weekly drop-in surgery organised by the Southwark Refugee Communities Forum. This initiative aims to assist refugees under 25, not categorised as being in priority need, in gaining access to private rented accommodation. We are also planning on holding workshops to help people understand housing processes in the UK and how the rental market works, as well as providing advice around relocation beyond London itself.

 

The challenges faced by asylum seekers in London when it comes to finding accommodation are complex and multi-faceted. Language barriers, a lack of understanding of the housing market, financial constraints, and a lack of local authority support make their journey towards stable housing an arduous one. With increasing numbers seeking asylum, it is crucial for policymakers, local authorities, and communities to come together to find solutions and offer support to those in need, ensuring that everyone has a chance at a safe and secure place to call home.

Posted by kineara in Housing, Latest
Maria Morgan addresses Healthy City Design Congress, advocating for building and sustaining better urban health through safe, secure housing

Maria Morgan addresses Healthy City Design Congress, advocating for building and sustaining better urban health through safe, secure housing

Kineara’s founder, Maria Morgan, last night delivered a compelling keynote talk at the recent Healthy City Design International Congress, emphasising the critical need housing and health equity in our communities. The event, sponsored by Kineara’s partner Impact on Urban Health (IOUH), provided a platform for Maria to highlight Kineara’s mission and work, and to discuss the urgent need for meaningful collaboration between housing and health sectors.

Maria addresses the audience at the keynote session

In her thought-provoking speech, Maria Morgan emphasized the importance of focusing on the most “vulnerable” individuals within our communities. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the significance of our living spaces, highlighting the essential relationship between housing and health. During the pandemic, many communities experienced overcrowding, long-standing disrepair, loss of income, mental and physical health challenges, and financial concerns. Research shows that poor-quality housing has a significant impact on an individual’s health, costing the NHS billions each year.

Maria stressed the need for bold collaboration, learning from past mistakes, forward-thinking, and critical discussions regarding housing and health in challenging times, drawing attention to the fact that over 90% of Kineara’s clients experience high levels of stress and anxiety, leading to physical health issues, because of being housing insecure. She highlighted the importance of conferences like Healthy City Design in promoting urban renewal and health equity, where rich conversations and meaningful actions can take place.

The speech also drew attention to the basic human needs described by Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, with an emphasis on the first tier, which includes shelter. In this tier, challenges such as air quality, food poverty, housing affordability, and safety were noted. Maria Morgan called for a stronger focus on addressing these most basic needs for better health outcomes, so everyone, including the most vulnerable, can go on to play an active role in addressing issues such as climate change and creating thriving cities and communities.

It was encouraging to hear a growing appreciation and active acknowledgement from the building planning, architecture, and Urban renewal arenas, of the link between health and housing, and their work with councils in considering wellbeing in the design process.

With Impact on Urban Health’s involvement in the conference, I’m hopeful we will begin to see a growing presence of cross-sector collaboration from ground roots organisation, housing associations, designers, architects, and of course the voice of the community, contributing to these important conversations.

Maria Morgan

Maria’s speech served as a powerful call to action. Kineara’s holistic approach, its dedication to supporting vulnerable communities, and its advocacy for the critical relationship between housing and health act as a blueprint towards achieving healthier and more equitable urban environments.

Posted by kineara in Community, Event, Housing, Landlords, Latest
Empowering Collaboration in the Private Rented Sector: Kineara hosts event to discuss the highs and lows of renting in London and bust myths about landlords and tenants  

Empowering Collaboration in the Private Rented Sector: Kineara hosts event to discuss the highs and lows of renting in London and bust myths about landlords and tenants  

We were thrilled to host an insightful event at The Bridge in Southwark, London, bringing together an inspiring mix of landlords, support workers, and other council stakeholders from the Private Rented Sector. The event aimed to foster collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by all those involved in the rental market and included a performance by Cardboard Citizens. Here’s a recap of the key highlights and takeaways from the event.

Creating Stronger Connections

One of the most remarkable aspects of the event was the sense of community and camaraderie that permeated the room. Landlords, support workers, and council stakeholders engaged in open dialogues, exchanging ideas, and sharing experiences. The event provided a place for attendees to network and build meaningful connections that we hope have the potential to lead to long-term collaborations.

Making licensing work for landlords

Local licensing plays a crucial role in improving standards in the sector, and the financial schemes that are available as a result support landlords to promote sustainable investments in the Private Rented Sector. During the event, attendees had the opportunity to learn about various financial schemes available in the local area. These schemes offer assurance to landlords who may have concerns about renting to tenants receiving benefits or support services. but also contribute to the overall stability of the rental market.

Kineara’s Tenancy Sustainment Support

Attendees also gained insights into how landlords can work collaboratively with support services like Kineara to avoid the cost and stress of eviction. The tenancy sustainment approach not only benefits renters but also contributes to a positive and mutually beneficial landlord-tenant relationship.

Challenging Stigmas and Fostering Understanding

Challenging stereotypes is essential in creating a fair and equitable rental market. Cardboard Citizens led the group with moving and powerful monologues, which were created using the real input of a tenant and a local landlord we’ve worked with and brought to life. Through insightful discussions, the event addressed the stigmas held about both landlords and tenants receiving support services and animated the variety of ways tenants and landlords feel about the housing crisis and how they negotiate it. By challenging these preconceptions, it is hoped that attendees left the event with a renewed commitment to building inclusive communities and providing a supportive environment for all stakeholders in the Private Rented Sector.

Future Prospects

The success of event has inspired us to plan more engaging gatherings in the future. We are committed to continuing our efforts in empowering both landlords and renters, and facilitating partnerships between landlords, support workers, and council stakeholders. Future events will build upon the knowledge shared and create even greater opportunities for growth and collaboration in the rental market.

Kineara’s founder, Maria Morgan, commented:

“I left the PRS networking event feeling energised about the possibility of building a network where everyone in the room feels safe to share their views and leaves feeling heard. Whether you are a landlord, tenant, estate agent, Council or support service. It’s potentially the beginning of something special, where a versatile collection of voices can have meaning and add understanding to the challenging complex landscape of housing.”

A Word of Thanks

We extend our sincere gratitude to all attendees who made the event a resounding success. Your active participation, valuable insights, and enthusiasm contributed to the event’s vibrancy and impact. We would also like to express our appreciation to the organisers, speakers, and contributors for their support in delivering and facilitating a much-needed conversation.

Stay Connected

We encourage all attendees to stay connected with us for updates on future events, workshops, and networking opportunities. Let’s keep the conversations going and work together to create a stronger, more resilient Private Rented Sector.

We look forward to seeing you all at our future gatherings, and together, let’s continue to make a positive impact in the rental market.

If you would like to be invited to our next event, please email Sandra Axell at saxell@kineara.co.uk

Posted by kineara in Community, Event, Housing, Landlords, Latest
Secretary of State Gives Green Light to One of the Nation’s Largest Landlord Licensing Schemes

Secretary of State Gives Green Light to One of the Nation’s Largest Landlord Licensing Schemes

Southwark Council has received approval from the Secretary of State to implement one of the country’s most extensive private landlord licensing schemes, signalling improved support for private renters.

This new scheme follows the introduction of two previous licensing initiatives: a borough-wide additional licensing scheme for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and a smaller selective licensing scheme, initially piloted for 6 months, that covered about 6,000 properties and successfully rolled out thereafter for a five-year period.

The primary aim of the licensing scheme is to address renters’ major concerns, including unattended repairs, unresponsive landlords, and problems of damp and mould, which is a priority issue for the council. The scheme also intends to assist private tenants facing challenges related to the cost of living crisis, including fuel poverty.


Councillor Dora Dixon-Fyle, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, expressed satisfaction with the extended licensing scheme, emphasising the importance of working with landlords to improve housing standards and overall renting experience for residents.


This month, the selective licensing has been expanded to include a total of 19 out of the 23 wards in the borough. Starting from November 1 this year, additional wards will also require licensing to further enhance rental property standards and support private tenants in those areas.

Full article from Southwark Council here

Posted by kineara in Community, Housing, Landlords, Latest
London Housing Panel, Chaired by Kineara, Demands Urgent Action on Homelessness Crisis

London Housing Panel, Chaired by Kineara, Demands Urgent Action on Homelessness Crisis

London’s homelessness crisis has reached an alarming peak, with recent statistics revealing an exceptional number of households living in temporary accommodation since 2005. Amid this pressing situation, the London Housing Panel, in collaboration with London’s Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development, Tom Copley, and the London Housing Directors Group, has taken a stand to address the plight of thousands of homeless households trapped in temporary housing.

Kineara, as the Chair of the Working Group on Temporary Accommodation under the London Housing Panel, has played a central role in drafting and coordinating the delivery of the open letter to the government, demanding immediate action.

The Crisis at Hand

The open letter, addressed to the Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, expresses collective alarm over the escalating homelessness crisis in London. While homelessness is a nationwide issue, it has hit the capital particularly hard, with nearly 60% of all households in temporary accommodation located in London. The situation is compounded by an unprecedented crisis in the procurement, supply and low standard of temporary accommodation, making it more critical than ever to find sustainable solutions.


Call for Government Action

One of the Working Group’s primary objectives is to advocate for improved housing conditions and support vulnerable individuals and families stuck in temporary accommodations that are often not fit for purpose and are far from temporary.


In the letter, the collective demands urgent government intervention to address the key challenges faced by those in temporary housing. One critical concern is to ensure that stays in temporary accommodation are as short, safe, and healthy as possible, with a strong emphasis on finding permanent homes swiftly. The Working Group calls for an increase in Discretionary Housing Payment funding to support local authorities during this crisis.


Key Proposals for Action

The open letter highlights three essential areas that demand immediate attention:

  1. Preventing Homelessness: The letter urges long-term investment in new and existing social rented homes as the most effective way to reduce the number of households in temporary accommodation and address housing inequalities. Raising Long-term Local Housing Allowance (LHA) levels is essential to prevent further homelessness and facilitate local authorities in sourcing suitable temporary accommodation.
  2. Raising Standards: The inconsistency and poor standards in temporary accommodation pose significant challenges. The Working Group calls for new, enforceable national standards consistent with decent homes standards, applicable to all properties used for temporary accommodation, irrespective of ownership or immigration status.
  3. Children in Temporary Accommodation: Kineara and the Working Group is dedicated to placing all children housed in temporary accommodation under the Children Act or homelessness legislation, ensuring that they have access to proper kitchen facilities. Additionally, the proposal includes the development of manuals in every borough to aid families settling in and accessing essential support services.

    Conclusion

    The collaboration between the London Housing Panel, London’s Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development, and the London Housing Directors Group, with Kineara’s leadership, has led to a powerful call to action. The open letter demands immediate government attention to alleviate the hardships faced by homeless households in London. It is hoped that the government will respond promptly and work alongside various stakeholders to find comprehensive and sustainable solutions to the city’s growing homelessness crisis.

To read the full open letter, click here

Posted by kineara in Community, Housing, Latest
Tiyon Nettles, speaks about her experience on a work placement with Kineara

Tiyon Nettles, speaks about her experience on a work placement with Kineara

As part of her Masters Degree with Middlesex University, Tiyon was required to undertake two work placements within the field of social work. Her first role brought her to Kineara, where she has recently completed a 70-day placement.

“I needed to find a placement that would allow me to gain experience and insight within the not-for-profit sector. The university found the placement for me. I was interviewed by Housing Project Manager Sandra Axell and thereafter by Kineara’s founder, Maria. I knew immediately from hearing about the organisation and its work that Kineara would be a good fit for me, because I completely get its approach to supporting vulnerable people, basically through empowerment and holistic interpretation of a person’s situation.

By concentrating on individuals’ strengths and giving them tools to empower themselves to drive positive change, Kineara’s approach looks long term at sustaining better outcomes for people, not just temporary fixes, and I really like this way of thinking. It views key aspects of people’s lives holistically; insecure housing and poor health, education and employment because at the end of the day these are all innately linked.”

Working as a student Housing Advisor, Tiyon assisted clients with finding housing and accessing support resources. She was involved in building close relationships with partnering programs such as Southwark Law Centre and Southwark council housing, applying taught social work theory and principles to enhance Kineara’s housing intervention plan. Tiyon recalls several highlights during her time at Kineara:

“Working with the team to provide Christmas gifts to those in need over the holidays was the highlight of my placement. We worked with the local Salvation Army to gather donations of toys for children and other Christmas items – some festive decorations, warm items for cosy nights like slippers and blankets, and some food, depending on what the households needed.

Successfully allocating funding for a family in need from the Southwark Emergency and Hardship Foundation was also a key highlight of my placement.

I was also invited to be a part of Kineara’s strategy day with the whole team. A mix of informal team building and discussing the company’s short and long-term goals for the future, it was interesting and inspiring to be involved and feel like my contributions were valued.”

But the experience wasn’t always highs; as many of you working in Kineara’s line of work will know, roles like this can come with lows too:

“On one occasion, being unable to help a client locate housing before their eviction day really dispirited the client and for me was a disappointing experience. When things like this happen, it can really weigh on your mind. You need to remind yourself to stay cheerful and remember you can’t always achieve 100% success.”

With all this in mind, Tiyon reflects on the key learning she has drawn from her time at Kineara:

“The first key thing I learnt ‘in the field’ so to speak, was about applying anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive principles to my everyday dealings with clients, considering inequality in all its dimensions – class, economic status, age, sexuality, faith, and belief.

Over time I also started to understand and identify when legislation and policy was constraining a client’s rights, as well as recognising the impact of poverty and social exclusion on Kineara’s efforts to improve the economic standing of its clients.

In my brief time at Kineara, Sandra Axell and Maria Morgan have been instrumental in giving me valuable experience to enrich and support my academic learning, as well as space to be myself and shine. I would also like to thank the wider team for being extraordinary! “

Now Tiyon has finished with Kineara, she is working her second placement over 100 days, undertaking statutory work within another Local Authority in London, after which she will graduate with an MA in Social Work in September 2023.

Thank you Tiyon for your hard work and the best of luck with your future in social work!

Posted by kineara in Community, Housing