Homeless Charity Warns Mortgagees Not to Become Complacent

A homeless charity in Sussex has welcomed the six month grace period offered by some banks this week for struggling mortgage holders but still urges people to seek advice at the earliest possible opportunity should they get into any arrears with their mortgage payments.

BHT’s Legal Advice Centre reported a dramatic rise in the number of mortgage repossession cases in the last 3 month period. The Advice Centre is the charity’s most used service seeing over 10,000 men and women with housing issues, welfare benefit and debt problems in 2007/8.

John Holmström, BHT’s Assistant Chief Executive, said, “It is fantastic news to see Natwest Bank and the Royal Bank of Scotland taking the lead and doing something positive to reduce the number of repossessions in the UK. I hope to see other banks and building societies following in their foot steps.

“Although this is a step in the right direction I cannot stress enough the importance of seeking legal advice early if you fall into arrears. Please do not become complacent. 6 months grace does not mean 6 months of no action. The message is simple, seek advice early.”

Those struggling with their mortgage payments can contact BHT’s Brighton or Eastbourne offices. Contact details are:

Brighton Advice Centre
Tel: 01273 234737
Email: advice@bht.org.uk

Eastbourne Advice Centre
Tel: 01323 642615
Email: eastbourne.advice@bht.org.uk

If you need any additional information from BHT, please contact Lucy Enever on 01273 645403 or 07960797043 or email lucy.enever@bht.org.uk for more information.

Eastbourne Supported Housing Schemes are Grade A Successes (02/12/08)

BHT's Eastbourne Accommodation Project and Eastbourne Floating Support both achieved 6 A’s and one B following recent Supporting People inspections. These Quality Assessment Framework (QAF) grades are the highest ever received by a BHT service.

BHT's East Sussex Supported Housing Manager, Lewis Meader, said, "These results have delighted all staff and show the quality framework that underpins our work. These grades are down to the quality of the work undertaken by our Eastbourne staff and the excellent co-operation between all BHT’s supported housing services where good practice is shared between services. This has resulted in improvements in our grades every time an inspection takes place".

The areas reviewed were Needs and Risk Assessment, Support Planning, Health and Safety, Protection from Abuse, Equality and Diversity, Complaints, and Service User Involvement.

BHT Down to the Final Four in the Sussex Business Awards 2008/09

A Brighton Housing Trust training project, Dine! has reached the final of the prestigious Sussex Business Awards 2008/09.

Dine! First Base’s Catering Training Project has been shortlisted in the Employment Solutions Category. The Project enables homeless, insecurely housed and vulnerable men and women to learn all aspects of the catering trade. The success of this project has led to Dine! An external catering service providing catering for meetings and events in Brighton and Hove - the only social enterprise of its kind within the City.

First Base Day Centre is one of BHT’s most heavily relied upon services working with up to 120 men and women each day. First Base provides a wide range of direct services including food, clothing and showers and well as a comprehensive programme of work and learning initiatives.

Wendy Taylor, Operations Manager at First Base said:

“Its fantastic news that Dine! has made it through to the final in the Sussex Business Awards. The Catering Training Project has been a great success and to be able to take it a step forward and create Dine! has been really exciting. Dine! will train 25 people each year in the catering trade allowing them to move forward in their lives and away from homelessness.“

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in November.

For more information please contact Lucy Enever on 01273 645403 or email lucy.enever@bht.org.uk.

A Story in Pictures of Addiction, Recovery and Hope (30/10/08)

A photography exhibition organised by a group of talented drug and alcohol treatment service users from the BHT’s Recovery Project opened to the public last night.

Useful Arts, a service user led arts and multi-media project, pulls together the creative talents of men and women in recovery, making it accessible to the wider public and promoting the positive message of change. The group has been developed in conjunction with BHT, Brighton and Hove City Councils’ DAAT team and the Arts and Creative Industries Unit, Equinox and PhotoFringe.

The aim of the exhibition is to raise awareness of the experience of being a service user in Brighton and Hove whilst creating opportunities for service users to gain and develop professional and creative skills working on real projects in the City.

The photographs in the exhibition take the theme of perceptions, influences and connections of services users of two areas in Brighton and Hove that are closely associated in many ways to their experience; the Level and Preston Park.

The exhibition is a frank, honest and at times gritty reflection of the nature of addiction: a chance to remember those that did not make it and celebrate those that have moved forward to great hopes for the future.

Coordinator Jools Barnell said “Useful Arts is by Service Users for Service Users. This is a fantastic opportunity for all of us across the city to engage in the creative process from start to finish, learning, expressing and producing ourselves to show what we can do when we are given the chance. “The exhibition will be open to the public until the 16th November at 2nd Floor, 1-6 Grand Parade, Brighton. All are welcome.

BHT Celebration for 40th Birthday (23/10/08)

BHT celebrated its 40th Birthday at an event attended by over 300 guests at the beautiful St. Michael's and All Angels Church, Brighton.

Special guests included the Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, Peter Field, the High Sherrif of East Sussex, Hugh Burnett, the Mayor of Brighton, Cllr Gary Peltzer Dunne, Deputy Mayor, Cllr Carol Theobald, Celia Barlow (MP for Hove) and various councillors.

The evening featured an eclectic range of music from the Littlehampton Community School, the Jam Tarts, and South African music from Soulful Singing.

The highlight of the evening was a talk from a residenty of BHT's Recovery Project, Donna, who spoke of her life addicted to alcohol, heroin and crach cocaine, which led to homelessness and prison. Through support from BHT, she is now alcohol and drug-free and looking forward to her future.

Other speakers included BHT Life President, Patricia Norman, the Chairman of the Affinity Sutton Group, Alan Kilburn, Alan Deacon and Olli Blair from DRP Architects, and Father Gareth from St Michael's and All Angels.

Pictured (above) the Jam Tarts and (below) the Littlehampton Community School Steel Band

Finding Futures Formally Launched in Hastings (22/10/08)

Finding Futures, the new Hastings-based service for unemployed men and women was officially launch on Wednesday at an open day attended by leading councillors including the Leader of Hastings Borough Council, Councillor Peter Pragnell (pictured right with Finding Futures Manager Philippa White).

Almost fifty representatives from local and county organisations crowded into the offices of Hastings Community Housing Association, where Finding Futures is based, for the launch.

Cllr. Pragnell said, “With the current recession we have to do all we can to focus attention on preparing those who are out of work for a return to work. Different people need different approaches. Finding Futures focuses on the most excluded, ensuring that they gain the necessary skills and self-confidence to compete in the work market.

“I wish Finding Futures well in playing its part in strengthening the Hastings economy”.

Finding Futures is a personal development and motivational programme designed for disengaged young people (13+) and unemployed adults with multiple barriers to learning and employment and who may have, as one of those barriers, homelessness or be insecurely housed.

Finding Futures has been set up by Sussex homelessness charity, BHT, and in partnership with Hastings Community Housing Association. For further information on Finding Futures, please contact Philippa White on 07596 511858.

Works and Pensions Minister gives assurance that the most excluded will not be forgotten during Financial Crisis (17/10/08)

The Secretary of State for Works and Pensions, James Purnell MP, has assured BHT that the most marginalised members of society will not be forgotten about during the current financial crisis.

At a meeting in London on Thursday, BHT Chief Executive Andy Winter raised concerns that government officials and funding priorities will focus on “quick win” outcomes at the expense of work with those who are hard to reach and hard to engage with.

Pictured right: James Purnell MP

Andy Winter told the Minister, “I can see a situation where those who, tragically, have lost their jobs may receive priority by officials because they have a record of being ‘employable’ and that the most marginalised and excluded will be forgotten about. Officials, driven by targets and the prospect of 2 million unemployed men and women, could focus on quick wins.

“We have to remember that there are those much lower down the ladder who require our support. I am particularly concerned about those who don’t even know that a ladder exists!

“They need special support to engage them in work and learning activities”.

James Purnell assured Mr Winter that the Department for Work and Pensions was committed to ensuring that special programmes exist to meet the needs of people at different stages of worklessness, and that funding would be ring-fenced. He said that it would be wrong to focus on just one group to the exclusion of others, and that all groups required support to move them from a benefit dependency culture and into activities that would lead to work.

Andy Winter welcomed the Minister’s commitment. He said, “BHT works with some men and women who have no experience or expectations of education, training or work. As an organisation we are committed to creating opportunities and to promoting change. We know what the potential is amongst those who use our services, and given the right opportunities they can achieve amazing things”.

Service User Involvement Celebration (19/09/08)

Service users from BHT gathered on Friday to celebrate their success in influencing how services in Brighton and Hove are planned, reviewed and delivered.

120 service users attended the event at the Brighthelm Centre in central Brighton to review and celebrate their success, and to meet with over 30 services to give advice and information, and to listen to feedback.

The event enabled service users from over 20 BHT projects to come together to talk about their experiences of BHT and other services in the City. The event also provided service users with a variety of information to help them to continue moving their lives forward away from homelessness and towards a more positive future.

Chief Executive Andy Winter said: “Service user involvement is far more than giving people a tokenistic voice. Effective involvement allows service users to influence what is planned and change the priorities and decisions of those who have traditionally held power.

“For those in positions of authority this should be seen as a valuable part in making the best decisions and avoiding mistakes. After all, is there any one else who knows our services better than those who use them, day in and day out.

Alistair Kane, a BHT service user said, “This event gives me ideas and inspiration for moving forward in my life.”

Lizzy Wilson, a BHT service user, said, “As a service user, this event helps me to raise awareness about what sort of help is available to me and how I can apply it to my life”

Apology

A quote that appeared in the original version of this news item was attributed to a named service user. While the sentiments recorded were accurate, the actual words used were not of the named individual. I know that this has caused him some embarrassment. I therefore apologise unreservedly for the embarrassment caused and for compromising his integrity. The quote has now been removed.

Andy Winter, Chief Executive, 6th October 2008

New Training Project launched in Hastings (15/09/08)

BHT has launched a new training project in Hastings aimed at supporting unemployed adults in learning and work.

Finding Futures is a Personal Development and Motivational Programme designed for unemployed adults (16+) with multiple barriers to learning and employment and who may, as one of those barriers, be homeless or insecurely housed.

Pictured are trainer Andree Ralph, BHT chief executive Andy Winter, and manager Philippa White

Finding Futures will be working initially in the Hastings area with plans to expand into Rother, Eastbourne and elsewhere in East Sussex.

BHT Chief Executive, Andy Winter, said: “Providing accommodation and support is often just the first stage in a long process for people who are homeless or excluded. Exclusion often starts during school years and we are seeking to support people back into education and, hopefully, employment.

“I am particularly delighted that we have recruited Philippa White and Andree Ralph, two high calibre members of staff, to deliver our programme. They bring experience and enthusiasm to the role”.

Finding Futures Manager, Philippa White, said: “To be part of a new enterprise such as Finding Futures right from the start is particularly exciting. We have ambitious plans to reach people who are often forgotten about and ignored. It is my experience that with some encouragement and support, individuals can achieve amazing things. Finding Futures is perfectly designed to help our learners to achieve their aspirations and potential”.

BHT provides a range of Work and Learning activities elsewhere in Sussex including a catering training project, an IT social enterprise, and work in the arts and media.

Finding Futures is based at 16 Havelock Road, Hastings. For those wishing to get more information about the programme, should contact Philippa (07976 634 541) or Andree (07886 981 365).

Community Outreach Student of the Year (05/09/08)

A woman diagnosed with bipolar disorder has been named Community Outreach Student of the Year by City College Brighton and Hove.

Barbara Davenport was awarded the adult achievement award by the Mayor of Brighton and Hove, Cllr Garry Peltzer Dunn,for her efforts as a Service User Involvement Representative for homelessness charity, BHT.

City College Brighton and Hove delivers some of the training for the group and this is where Barbara was recognised for her commitment to service users and her drive to succeed.

Barbara said:”I was so chuffed that people had the confidence in me to nominate me for this award. All the Service User Involvement team have worked really hard to give clients a voice and I think we have come a long way. I was so excited to meet the Mayor and even a little star struck!!”

BHT's Service User Involvement project coordinator, Anthony Irtelli, who has worked with Barbara for two years said:

'I'm really pleased that Barbara has been recognised for her terrific commitment to the project. She has been instrumental in providing a voice for other service users and shown enthusiasm in applying herself to all manner or learning opportunities'.

Involving service users in the planning and delivery of their services, BHT's Service User Involvement Consultancy supports up to 18 representatives at any one time. They represent the views of their peers, consult with outside agencies, organise events and provide research and quality assessment into both BHT and external services.

For more information please contact Lucy Enever on 01273 645403 or email lucy.enever@bht.org.uk.

BHT to share expertise on preventing mortgage repossessions (11/08/08)

BHT's Brighton Advice Centre Manager, Dawn Devaney is to address a prestigious national conference that seeks to address the growing problem of mortgage repossessions.

Dawn, the Centre Manager at BHT’s Advice Centre in Queen’s Road, Brighton, will make a presentation on advising mortgagees who are struggling with payments and are facing repossession. Dawn has over 17 years experience as a housing advisor and is a very experienced housing law trainer.

Other speakers of the conference will include Jan Luba, one of the countries leading experts on homelessness law and practice, Bob Lawrence, Special Advisor at the Department for Communities and Local Government and Terrie Alafat, Director of Housing Strategy and Support at the CLG.

The conference will take place on Friday 3rd October in London. Further information can be found on www.limelegal.co.uk.

Dawn Devaney said: “The effect on home owners of the so called credit crunch is plain to see. We are noticing a significant increase in repossession applications and people actually being repossessed. This has huge implications for the households concerned as well as for local authorities and others trying to provide help and advice for those facing homelessness. Missed mortgage repayments and increases in other monthly outgoings, all too easily lead to escalating arrears and this could lead to the household losing their home.

“As always the advice is get advice and help as early as possible in the process. This always makes it easier to mount a defence and perhaps avoid the need to go to court”.

BHT operates advice centres in Brighton and Eastbourne and offers advice and representation on housing, repossessions, welfare benefits and debt. The advice centre in Brighton can be contacted on 01273 234737 and in Eastbourne on 01323 642615.

Dragon visits BHT Project (21/07/08)

The Dragons Den star Deborah Meadon took a trip down memory lane by visiting the hostel that she once lived in as a student.

Deborah Meadon visited BHT’s Phase One Project in Oriental Place which is now home to 52 homeless and insecurely housed men and women with complex needs. The hostel provides support for residents with a wide range of issues from mental health to substance misuse, helping them to move forward into independent living.

The famous dragon started her business training at Brighton Polytechnic College and stayed in what was then the YWCA in Oriental Place because it was cheap.

Pictured, left, is Deborah Meadon with Deputy Manager Paul Goddard

The now hugely successful business women has returned to her former home as part of a short film about her early life for the hit series Dragons Den. Deborah spent a day at the project with a film crew reminiscing about her time at the YWCA and learning about the invaluable services that the hostel now provides for homeless men and women in the city.

Project Manager Rob Robinson said “It was great to have Deborah spend time with us. She was so pleased to discover the building was still being used to provide support for people. She was utterly charming and really funny, not at all like how she comes across on the programme.”

Phase One has recently been awarded the Sussex Heritage Award 2008 in recognition of the refurbishment of the former Regency House Hotel. The Grade 2 listed building was completely restored and was redesigned to improve energy efficiency.

600 Students and staff walk through the Downs to raise money for charity (15/07/08)

600 students from BHASVIC College embarked on a 7.7 mile sponsored walk to raise money for Brighton Housing Trust and Amnesty International.

The dedicated students have chosen BHT as their charity of the year and will be organising events and awareness days throughout the year to raise funds for BHT and its vital services.

Students and staff braved the weather to walk the 7.7 mile route starting at Devils Dyke and following the public footpaths along the Downs.

The mood was upbeat and the Downs were filled with laughter as the students and staff set off on their hike across the Sussex Countryside.

BHT Chief Executive, Andy Winter, praised the students: “It is fantastic to see young people in the city organising events such as this one and raising money for Brighton Housing Trust. This generous act will have a direct impact on the lives of men and women on the streets of Brighton and Hove”.

The walkers have set a target to raise at least £5,000 in sponsorship which will be split between BHT and Amnesty International.

If you would like to show your support please send cheques payable to Brighton Housing Trust or Amnesty International and send them to Rachel Aumann, BHASVIC College, 205 Dyke Road, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 6EG.

Heritage Award for BHT's Phase 1 Project (10/07/08)

A prestigious heritage award has been presented to BHT and architects DRP for the refurbishment of four town houses off the Brighton seafront.

The Sussex Heritage Trust’s Public and Community Award 2008 was made in recognition of the refurbishment of the former Regency House Hotel which, in private ownership, was infamous for its slum conditions and poor management. BHT, together with William Sutton Homes, DRP Architects and a team of specialist contractors, gutted the Grade 2 listed building and restored many of the original features while building in features designed to improve energy efficiency.

The properties are now known as the Phase 1 Project, accommodating 52 homeless men and women.

The award was made by the Right Honourable Lord Lloyd of Berwick on behalf of the Sussex Heritage Trust to BHT Chief Executive, Andy Winter (left) and Olli Blair of DRP Architects (right). The ceremony took place at the Delaware Pavilion in Bexhill on Thursday.

Andy Winter said: “This award is recognition of an amazing team made up of representatives of BHT, William Sutton Homes, DRP architects, contractors A & F Pilbeam, and many other contractors. The complexity of this refurbishment was indescribable.

“BHT was delighted to join DRP Architects to receive this award but we recognise that it is shared by all those involved in this remarkable refurbishment.

“What is most important, though, is that there 52 men and women now have good accommodation where they can address problems and supported into learning and training, and prepared to move on to more permanent housing”.

130 Attend Conference on Private Sector Housing Solutions to Homelessness (04/07/08)

Over 130 private landlords and representatives from local authorities and the voluntary sector attended a Conference on Friday to look at how homelessness can be prevented through greater use of the private rented sector.

The conference was organised by Brighton Housing Trust on behalf of the South East Homelessness Forum. The conference was addressed by Mike Stimpson, President of the National Federation of Residential Landlords and Liam Reynolds from Shelter.

John Holmstrom (left), BHT Assistant Chief Executive, the conference Chair, said: “We were delighted by the strong interest in the conference and the quality of contributions from those attending. The interest shown demonstrates how, for the south east, the private rented sector is critical to tackling homelessness. Unless we engage landlords effectively, we will achieve little. The conference has produced a rich diversity of ideas and good practice from practitioners across the south east region and sectors. The challenge for us is to convert this into helpful good practice guidance and action plan”.

Mike Stimpson identified matters that deterred landlords from entering the housing benefit market or staying in it including inappropriate enforcement of regulations. He was critical of local authorities where different departments, specifically housing, environmental health and housing benefit did not liaise adequately. He reserved special criticism for planning departments who often failed to engage with anyone and whose decisions were a major block to increased provision.

Mike Stimpson (right) said that landlords would provide good quality accommodation at a market rent. He said, “In return private landlords expect tenants to provide a deposit or rent in advance, to pay their rent on time, to respect the property, and to act responsibly, in other words, no anti-social behaviour”.

He said that local authorities needed to work more closely with private landlords so that landlords are assisted, not frustrated, when dealing with the minority of tenants who caused problems. He said: “It is better for a local authority to rehouse one family where the tenancy is breaking down, allowing another ten families to be satisfactorily housed. The alternative is that the private landlord will not house any homeless families at all”.

Liam Reynolds (left) from Shelter said there has been a relative boom in private letting, with half a million households added in the five years to 2006. The private sector was a popular option, particularly for younger people, as it provided flexibility. At the same time, some found the lack of stability a disadvantage. He said there were good and bad landlords, and good and bad tenants.

He said that tenancies failed primarily due to rent arrears, often caused by problems with housing benefit. The credit crunch has resulted in small and newer entrants in the letting market facing repossession. Often the first a tenant was aware of a problem was when a date for the execution of a bailiffs warrant was advised to them. He called for improved communication between landlords, tenants and the local authorities.

The taste of success (18/06/08)

A new business training homeless people in catering has won £20,000 of government funding.

Part of the process involved presenting a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style pitch to business experts, but Brighton Housing Trust came up trumps with the highest award in the south east.

The money will be invested in ‘Dine!’ a commercial catering service for meetings, functions and events across the City. The project runs from BHT’s First Base Day Centre.

Nikki Homewood (right), Director of Homelessness Services, Brighton Housing Trust, said: “The project is currently small scale; this funding will enable us to get to the next level and develop a real business. We will be delivering a product with a purpose - the product is high quality external catering; the purpose is to prepare and train men and women with a history of homelessness for work in the catering and other sectors.”

Trainees will move on to employment in the City, including via the City’s Hospitality Futures scheme which is opening up employment opportunities in the tourism sector.

Brighton and Hove City Council and Brighton Housing Trust recently secured almost £1 million governement capital funding including £500,000 for building work at First Base. This work will include a new kitchen and catering training facilities, and improved education and employment opportunities for formerly homeless people.

Council leader Mary Mears (left) said: “This is the first social enterprise in Brighton & Hove for homeless people, so it will be exciting to see it grow and develop into a thriving business.”

The project will receive business mentoring from entrepreneur Nigel Kershaw from Big Issue Invest.

Prevention of Homelessness Through Improved use of the Private Rented Sector (11/06/08)

BHT has organised a conference "Beyond the Basics" which will bring together experienced practitioners and managers who are engaged with the private rented sector. The aim of this event is to help maximise the use of the PRS in the prevention of homelessness.

The PRS forms a major part of the housing stock in many parts of the South East, sometimes exceeding the size of social housing. Its fortunes therefore has a major impact on homelessness in terms of both providing homes and being the cause of homelessness. This event comes at a potentially critical "tipping point" for the sector with the onset of a major and unpredictable "credit crunch".

Click here for the Conference Brochure and the Conference Booking Form.

First Cut Take 2 (10/05/08)

Screening of films made by homeless men and women

Adventurous short films written and produced by homeless and vulnerable adults at Brighton Housing Trust’s First Base Day Centre were screened at the Brighton Odeon as part of the Brighton Fringe Festival.

First Cut Take 2 featured drama, documentary and video diaries and was followed by an award ceremony hosted by Tim Pope (Director of music promos for The Cure, David Bowie and Neil Young) and Mark Little (Joe Mangle from Neighbors and stand up comedian) Food will be provided by the First Base Catering Project, which provides training for service users in all aspects of the catering trade.

Day Centre Manager, Wendy Taylor, said: “The First Base Arts Project provides three days of creative activities every week. The last year has been particularly successful with over 200 men and women involved in the Arts Project. Between them they have earned over £3,000 from publication of their writing and art work, had a six week photography exhibition at the North Laine Photography Gallery, had their work featured on the BBC website and produced a CD.

“We now have the opportunity to share their work with the wider public. Copies of the Anthology will be on sale and Arts Project participants will be on hand to talk more about their work”.

Pictured right: Mark Little

BHT Chief Executive, Andy Winter, said: “This annual event is a wonderful opportunity for homeless men and women to show their artistic skills. I am always impressed by the quality of their work and the honesty in the way they present their experiences. I am sure that this year will be no different.

“The Arts Project is an important service that allows people to develop new skills and build the confidence necessary to move towards employment”.

First Cut Take 2 is funded by Screen South, the Arts Council and Brighton Housing Trust. The film group is facilitated by and receives generous in kind support from Fractured Films, a Brighton based film company.

For further information contact Lucy Enever on 01273 645403 or email lucy.enever@bht.org.uk.

www.freewebs.com/firstbaseartsproject

International Violin Soloist Performs for Homeless Men and Women (28/03/08)

Tasmin Little has a flourishing career as a violin soloist which has taken her to every continent of the world. She has further established her reputation as Artistic Director of two Festivals.

She plays with orchestras such as the Norwegian Chamber, the London Mozart Players, the Royal Philharmonic, the European Union Chamber Orchestra and the Britten Sinfonia.

But on Friday night she played to a specially invited, select audience – homeless men and women in Brighton.

The event was arranged after Tasmin announced on BBC Radio 4’s Front Row programme that she wished to take her music to new audiences. This will include inmates at Belmarsh Prison.

However, her first concert has been to 30 residents at BHT's Phase One Project in Oriental Place.

The Phase One Project provides safe, supported accommodation for 52 men and women, most of whom have had a history of rough sleeping and who may be coming to terms with a history of mental ill health and/or substance misuse problems.

At the concert, Tasmin played a 1757 Guadagnini violin.

Tasmin Little said: “I really loved playing for the residents. The moment I walked into the room people began chatting to me. Instantly I knew I could make contact, and very quickly they were responding and asking questions.

“The highlight was a piece from Bartok’s Roumanian Dances. The residents were dancing and clapping.

“At the end I received a standing ovation. What can I say?

“I really didn’t know what to expect. It would have been stupid for me to imagine what would happen. I didn’t want to be disappointed. There were no guarantees that this would be a successful evening.

“It exceeded any expectation I could have had”.

The event was organised by BHT staff members Jude Allen, David Obermayer and Sab Khan (pictured left with Tasmin Little).

Phase One Deputy Manager, David Obermayer, said: “It was a wonderful evening, bringing together residents from the hostel. The power of Tasmin’s music shone through. People were totally mesmerised by her music”.

BHT Chief Executive, Andy Winter, said: “What really impressed me about Tasmin was how she engaged with residents. She wasn’t patronising and seemed to have thoroughly enjoyed herself.

“There were some lively members in the audience which didn’t phase her one bit. In the end, particularly during some of the quiet and slow pieces, you could tell that the audience was totally gripped by the emotion of her playing”.

Her performance was filmed by a crew from The South Bank Show for a programme on Tasmin Little due to be broadcast on 15th June.

In addition to continuing her normal concerto and recital engagements both in the UK and abroad in 2008/09, Tasmin will also be undertaking a tour of The Naked Violin, with concerts in halls as well as in the wider community, such as the concert at BHT’s Phase One Project.

Continued Success for BHT Training (11/03/08)

BHT has launched an ambitious training programme for staff working in care and support services. From April we will be running courses in 50 different subjects, and is planning to run around 100 events between April 2008 and March 2009.

Since April 2006 BHT has been running training courses. Demand for places has steadily grown through the last year and the support and interest from local organisation has made it possible for BHT to expand the range of courses on offer.

The programme of short courses is aimed, primarily, at people working in the voluntary sector, focussing mostly on work with vulnerable adults.

Established courses include Profession Boundaries, Mental Health Awareness, Welfare Benefits, Child Protection and Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults.

(Pictured left are Training Co-ordinator Amy Hines and Training Administrator Eugenia Fadejeva)

BHT Training Co-ordinator, Amy Hines, said: “This year we have added a number of exciting new courses including Solution Focused Brief Therapy and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.

“Many courses are run by BHT staff who have been trained to develop and facilitate training courses. This gives them the opportunity to share their extensive experience in their particular area of interest.

“When I was sourcing training for BHT staff a few years ago I realised that there were very few options available without travelling to London or relying on getting a big group of people together on the same day with a trainer coming in.

“Training is a great motivator. Organisations that invest in training for their staff see the benefits through improved performance at work, increased job satisfaction and increased rates of staff retention. The voluntary sector spends as little as 1% of its wage bill on training and developing staff, compared to 3% in the commercial or public sector. We hope that this programme of affordable training will help organisations with a small training budget maintain skills levels of their staff”.

BHT Chief Executive, Andy Winter, said: “I think we are filling a gap in the local training market. We are offering affordable training, run locally and targeted primarily at the voluntary sector.

“For the first time, from April, a selection of courses will be running in Eastbourne, making the training accessible to a whole new audience. BHT is increasing its emphasis on work elsewhere in Sussex, including Eastbourne and Hastings. This is a natural progression for us”.

For copies of BHT’s training brochure please call the training team on 01273 645401 or send an email with your details to training@bht.org.uk.

South African Housing Delegation Visits BHT (03/03/08)

A delegation of housing experts from South Africa, including John Hopkins, the Chief Executive of the South African Housing Foundation (pictured below, centre), visited Brighton this week. The delegation had a tour of some of the 1,100 homes owned by Downland Housing Association in Brighton and Hove before visiting Brighton Housing Trust's (BHT) Recovery Project. The Recovery Project is a 30 bed centre that supports men & women with addictions to alcohol, heroin, crack cocaine & other drugs to become & remain drug free.

The delegation met with Downland Chief Executive Mark Perry and BHT's Chief Executive Andy Winter before meeting with Recovery Project residents to learn about their experience of homelessness and recovery from addiction.

Andy Winter (pictured second from the left) said it was a particular pleasure to welcome the delegation from South Africa. "I was born and brought up in South Africa. It was particularly speacial to me to bring together people from my home country and service users of our Recovery Project.

"South Africa continues to face huge challenges, not least in the provision of housing, support services, HIV and Aids, poverty and drugs. I hope that the visit has been useful to them and that they have seen practice with us that could be replicated back in South Africa".

Downland has over 15,000 homes across the region. BHT works with 10,000 men & women each year, providing specialist mental health, alcohol & drug & homelessness services, as well as housing, debt, welfare benefit & immigration legal advice services. Both are members of the Affinity Sutton Group which has over 50,000 homes across England.

Other members of the delegation were Eleanore Blou-Spies (Executive Mayor, Knysa Municipality - pictured left), Lauren Waring (Director, Community Services, Knysa Municipality - pictured 3rd from right) and Andrew Finn (Chairperson, Infrastructure Development & Integrated Human Settlements, Knysa Municpality - pictured right).

Bonetts Estate Agent helping homeless men and women in Brighton (06/02/08)

Bonetts Estate Agents are showing art work created by Greg Sturges of Kemp Town Artists at their office on St. Georges Road, Brighton. The exhibition will be launched next week for two months, showing a colourful selection of Sturges take on the City.

Sturges work is on sale from the office and any commission from sales will be donated to BHT’s First Base Day Centre for homeless, insecurely housed and vulnerable men and women.

The exhibition will be open Monday to Fridays between 9am and 6pm and on Saturdays between 9am and 4pm.

Paul Bonett said: "We have been long time supporters of the Kemp Town artists' Trail and had just decided to begin exhibiting their works in our office on a continuous cycle, when we heard about BHT. It did not take long to realise we could have a productive partnership with BHT, supporting First Base. We hope this will be the beginning of a fruitful long term relationship".

First Base provides a range of services to people who are homeless or living in hostels or temporary accommodation.

The day centre is open all year round, providing basic services such as food, clothing, shower and laundry facilities. It also provides advice, assistance and support for people to move on from the devastation of homelessness to housing, independence and to rebuild their lives.

BHT Fundraising Co-ordinator Lucy Enever said “We think that this is a great opportunity provided by Bonetts to promote local artists and support our charity at the same time. We hope that other local businesses will follow Bonett’s lead and that we will get more support from local businesses in the future”.

For more information on any of the above, please contact Lucy Enever on 01273 645403.

Eastbourne Mayor's Visit to Eastbourne Housing Aid and Legal Centre (29/01/08)

Eastbourne Housing Aid and Legal Centre was delighted that the Mayor, Councillor Mary Pooley, came to visit staff at the Centre. This gave the Mayor a chance to find out more about EHALC’S work. It opened in 1992 and provides specialist free advice in housing, welfare benefits and debt funded by Eastbourne Borough Council and the Legal Services Commission. The Centre is located in St Leonard’s Road close to the station.

Centre manager Sue Hennell says, “the Mayor took great interest in how we could make such a difference to people’s live through advising them on their housing, welfare benefits and debt problems. This could be for example to stop an eviction due to rent or mortgage arrears or help with a complicated claim for Disability Living Allowance”

The Mayor said “One of the pleasures of being the mayor is being able to visit voluntary organisations such as EHALC, and see what a major contribution they make to the town’s welfare. Plainly EHALC’s staff are very dedicated to providing clients with a responsive and expert service. I know EHALC is best known for its housing advice but it was very good to see how it has developed into debt and welfare benefits advice”

Sue Hennell said “it is well known in Legal Services that clients with one problem are likely to have related problems. So for example a client who has difficulty affording the rent often will often need advice on how to ensure they claim all the benefits they are entitled to, and help with lower priority debts which they could repay at lower amounts over a longer period of time. We are really pleased how we can deal with all aspects of a clients case in the one centre.”

If you need help from EHALC please call 01323 642615 for an appointment or the times of drop in sessions.

BHT publish new Disability Equality Scheme (04/01/08)

The delivery of effective service user involvement mechanisms, reviewing recruitment and employment practices and improving data collection form the key themes of BHT’s Disability Equality Scheme, which has been approved by the BHT Board.

The Scheme meets legislative requirements laid out in the Disability Discrimination Act 2005 to promote equality of opportunity, encourage participation by disabled people and promote positive attitudes towards disabled people.

BHT's Director of Corporate Affairs, Kate Watson (pictured right), said:

"Working closely with our parent company, the Affinity Sutton Group, BHT has developed our scheme and action plan, following Group-wide guidance, which will help us achieve our commitments laid out in our Equality and Diversity Action Plan. We will be monitoring our progress and delivery through our current Diversity and Equality working group, along with feeding into the Group our progress and successes.

"We have performed initial assessments of our services and are planning to develop service user involvement to ensure we deliver effective services for disabled people through using the Service User Consultancy. We will also be performing in-depth assessments covering our complaints process and referral procedures for the Tenancy Access Project.

"We look forward to the challenge of delivering against our action plan to provide improved services for our disabled customers".

For more information, please click here

Registered Charity No: 284839, Tenant Services Authority No. H1696. A member of the Affinity Sutton Group
Company Limited by Guarantee, Registered in England, No. 1618610, Registered Office: 144 London Road, Brighton, BN1 4PH