A robust plan for tangible change Shelter will stop at nothing to support and empower people on the way to a safe home for all. Our services and our campaigning work are equally important in driving this change. … Read more
Category: Newsletter
Building a more positive future: how Shelter works with former offenders
When Shelter was approached to deliver housing and debt advice for offenders and those leaving custody, we were especially keen to help.
Offenders are often at risk of losing their tenancies when they enter custody, making it extremely difficult for them to resettle back into the community and build new lives for themselves upon their release.
That’s why Shelter is working in prisons and in community locations across the North East and North West, delivering support on housing and debt to prisoners and former offenders.
We work … Read more
Peer mentor Paddy’s success story
If it wasn’t for Shelter and Colette I’d be dead. I’m so grateful.
It takes great spirit to go from living on the streets and struggling with addiction to becoming a peer mentor helping homeless people – but that’s exactly what Paddy has accomplished.
Like so many people who become homeless, Paddy was just unlucky. In the space of a year, his beloved nan died, he broke his leg, and the he lost his job. With nowhere to turn for … Read more
Taking the fight to end discrimination to Parliament
In the 1950s you were allowed to put up signs saying, “no blacks, no Irish, no dogs”. Nowadays, you’re allowed to put up “no DSS”. At what point did we decide as a country that this is ok? – Philippa Lalor
This year, we’ve made significant progress in our campaign to stamp out DSS discrimination against renters on benefits. And now, thanks to your help, we’re another step closer to achieving an overall victory.
After months of campaigning, Shelter were invited to a Select Committee hearing in April to share … Read more
Writing your will: FAQs
Fiona Wilson
Leaving behind something for the people or causes you care about requires an up to date will. But why is it so important?
Fiona Wilson, a Partner at Hempsons Solicitors, shares an insider’s perspective.
The importance of having a will‘If you had to give away everything you own today to your loved ones, you’d want to think carefully about how best to do this. The same is true after you die.
‘If you want to … Read more
Newsletter - April 2019
Evicted for complaining about a gas leak26 March 2019by Home Newsletter
Tom did his best to cooperate with his landlord’s ‘put up and shut up’ policy. But when he complained about a leaking gas oven, he found himself locked out and homeless.
Things had never been quite right with Tom’s shared house — far from it, in fact.
His landlord blocked off access to the boiler and would leave the thermostat on such a low setting that the heating wouldn’t come on … Read more
3 breakthroughs to help renters on benefits
Prejudice against people on housing benefit is leaving renters with nowhere to turn. But thanks to your fantastic support, we’ve taken three big steps forward.
People who rent in the UK often face unfair discrimination if they’re on benefits, which prevents hundreds of thousands of people living in homes they could otherwise afford, pushing them closer to homelessness. There’s no excuse for this, and even the most plausible defences of ‘No DSS’ are bogus.
That’s why, in August 2018, we began our campaign to stop DSS discrimination. Here’s what we’ve achieved … Read more
Practical ways to help people sleeping rough
Pointers and practical advice if you want to help people sleeping on the streets.
The number of people sleeping rough in England has gone up 165% since 2010. It’s a huge increase.
If you’re worried about someone sleeping on the streets, here are some practical ways to help.
Tell StreetLink
Let StreetLink know by sending them an online alert. Remember to have as much information as you can about the person’s exact location and appearance. The details you provide will … Read more
Evicted for complaining about a gas leak
Tom did his best to cooperate with his landlord’s ‘put up and shut up’ policy. But when he complained about a leaking gas oven, he found himself locked out and homeless.
Things had never been quite right with Tom’s shared house — far from it, in fact.
His landlord blocked off access to the boiler and would leave the thermostat on such a low setting that the heating wouldn’t come on unless it was freezing.
He also made a daily habit of coming to … Read more
After they escaped domestic abuse, they needed a safe home
Mel and her three daughters had nowhere else to go, but the moment her husband threatened to kill four-year-old Olivia, Mel knew she had no choice but to leave their home.
They desperately needed somewhere safe and secure to stay, but instead they were given a freezing room in an outbuilding far away from the main property. They were so isolated that no one would hear them if they shouted for help. There was only one way in and out, … Read more
