#withyou

Gavin, Fiona (not pictured), Leslie, Dave and Bethan (pictured) have been busy providing support, guidance and help to any residents that need it. We have been calling residents to check how they are, and to see if they need any support.

Our money and energy advisors have been helping residents more than ever during this national crisis. That’s why we are proud to support Community Housing Cymru’s campaign #withyou to promote the great work housing associations across Wales are doing to help residents stay safe and secure in their homes.
Gavin, Fiona (not pictured), Leslie, Dave and Bethan (pictured) have been busy providing support, guidance and help to any residents that need it. We have been calling residents to check how they are, and to see if they need any support.

In just three weeks the team have helped residents with a financial gain of £374,279.67 through money and energy advice, sourcing benefit entitlement, swapping suppliers, and applying for discounts, and received 122 referrals for energy and money advice.

Whilst the statistics look impressive, it’s the people behind them that we want to concentrate on.

Sandra* contacted us. She normally relied on family for help, but was self-isolating and at a loss. Our team helped apply for a Council Tax Reduction, a Discretionary Housing Payment (due to under occupancy), and offered energy advice. Sandra was so grateful and couldn’t believe a housing association offered so much help.

Billy* a single person with three older children was self-isolating due to being in a high risk category, and was suffering with anxiety about how he would cope with his finances. The team did a Universal Credit assessment, which would mean the resident would be financially better off, even when everything returns to normal. A Council Tax Reduction was completed, and an energy referral made.

Carla* moved into her new home, which had credit meters. We got them removed and replaced with smart meters, we also got her a new fridge freezer (via the government Discretionary Assistance Fund) and referred them to our Employment Team.

Tony* had lived with over £550 worth of electricity debt for a number of years, and couldn’t get rid of it. He was also not paying enough for what he was using. Our team found a more suitable, affordable tariff for him and applied to the SSE/Swalec Customer Assistance Fund and had the debt cleared.

Residents have contacted us saying how truly grateful they are for the help, assistance and support we provide. We realise now more than ever how important it is that we have invested in having a dedicated team to provide this support.

If you’re struggling, please contact us today moneyadvice@melinhomes.co.uk or call 01495 745910.

*Names have been changed to protect residents' identities.

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