McCoys ArcadeFore StExeterEX4 3AN

t: 01392 430228w: www.communityha.org.uk

Registered Charity No.1071945Limited Company No. 3635743Registered in England and Wales

Community Housing Aid

CommunityHousing Aidworking to prevent homelessness across Devon

CommunityHousing Aid

COMMUNITY HOUSING AID

2011-2012ANNUALREVIEW

Read about what CHAhave been up to overthe last financial yearas Exeter’s premierindependent housingadvice & support charity.

29th May 1961 Charitable TrustAwards for AllBBC Children in NeedBig Lottery FundL BrowneMiss Sonia Marie ChapmanChildren & Young People ServiceCo-operative Community Investment FundJ CollinsCoutts Charitable TrustDevon & Cornwall Probation TrustDevon Partnership NHS TrustEast Devon District CouncilEast Devon District CouncillorsExeter CathedralExeter City CouncilExmouth Spirtual Circle of LightJohn Paul Getty Jnr Charitable TrustC A GlanvilleGuardian News & Media LtdMrs G HaslamAlbert Hunt TrustS InglisMiss P M JacksonThe Jamieson Bystock TrustP Johnstone

Anton Jurgens Charitable TrustThe Leonard Laity Stoate Charitable Trust

Lions ClubLloyds TSB FoundationMr G & Mrs V Maguire

Mr B A & Mrs M P MesserMid Devon District Council

A F MiltonGweneth Moxon Charitable Trust

Musbury PCC Freewill OfferingThe Norman Family Trust

Northcott Devon FoundationPennon Group

Plymouth City CouncilRentshield DirectThe Sidbury Trust

Henry Smith CharityMrs D E Smykulis

Steel Charitable TrustW O Street Charitable Foundation

The Bernard Sunley Charitable TrustSir Jules Thorn Charitable Trust

Mr TomkinsThe Tudor Trust

C WaleWonford House

Another year goes by, seemingly quicker than ever. Putting together the annual report is always a good way to reflect on thechallenges and successes of the previous 12 months, which there is rarely time to do. The last year has provided tangible evidenceof the effects of recession, the impact of new Government policies regarding benefits & housing and the challenges for people onlow incomes to secure and sustain safe, affordable tenancies.

One constant throughout the last 12 months has been the commitment and dedication of our staff and volunteers. They havecontinued to provide support and assistance to our beneficiaries despite all of the challenges that the current financial climatepresents; be it a lack of affordable properties, or uncertainty of funding for the projects they run. 2011 saw CHA celebrating its21st birthday, and despite the current challenges within the housing sector, as you look through what each project has achieved,I am sure you will agree that our staff and volunteers have truly gone ‘above & beyond’ what could have been expected of them.For this they have my gratitude and admiration. With such energy, creativity and dedication, I believe Community Housing Aid willcontinue to make a tangible difference to the lives of people affected by homelessness for many more years to come.

Stuart Hooper

Director’s Note

Welfare reform, cuts in public expenditure on homelessness and housing support, and double dip recessions. All of these issueslead to an increase in the number of individuals and families needing support and advice to access and maintain a home of theirown. It is against this pressurised back drop that Community Housing Aid works to empower individuals in need of housing to findtheir own solutions by working with them to remove the obstacles they face.

We started the year with a mountain to climb. Our Nightstop Devon project, which provides a much-valued and much-used sameday emergency accommodation service for young people, was under threat whilst we sought replacement funding for a Big Lotterygrant that had come to an end. Fast forward to December 2011 and we see the Nightstop Devon team receiving one of TheGuardian’s prestigious Charity of the Year Awards, with the project’s future secured for the next three years through the generoussupport of the Big Lottery and the Henry Smith Charity. It is this kind of roller-coaster ride that is characteristic of the voluntarysector, especially in these challenging economic times, where efficient, effective and respected projects recognised as providinga key role in society can be at risk of closure. It is a tribute to the staff involved that the uncertainty surrounding the project’s futuredid not impact on the quality of service they provided. The Guardian Award was a fitting and well-deserved recognition of all theNightstop team, not least of whom are the volunteer hosts and drivers without whom the project would not exist.

Our other projects may not have achieved the external recognition of a Guardian Award, but the work they have carried out duringthe year has been no less valuable in reducing and preventing homelessness in the community. They have continued to be well-usedand to provide effective solutions to homelessness. Last year, we were disappointed to announce the closure of our CommunityAdvice Service; this year we are pleased to announce the start of a new project, the Community Advice and Support Service, whichprovides advice and signposting for one day a week at Exeter Magistrates Court.

Our Smartmove and Resettlement projects continue to be challenged by the reducing availability of affordable, appropriate,accommodation for the rising number of people trying to manage living on a low income. There is as yet no sign that the reductionin local housing allowance is exerting a downward pressure on rents in the private rented sector.

Our immensely experienced and hard-working staff are skilful and creative in supporting people in housing need to resolve theirhousing issues successfully, but we are aware that we are ending the year with another mountain to climb – as a result cuts topublic expenditure on housing related support, funding for our Smartmove project has been reduced.  The need for our work inboth tenancy creation and tenancy sustainment is very much alive, and we are focusing on how we may best ensure that we cancontinue to provide this for the community.

One Trustee left during the year, Paul Jones, whose valuable contributions to CHA will be missed, including the ability toFinance Report

Our income increased by £14,000, through successfully achieving continuation funding for Nightstop through thegenerous support of the Big Lottery and the Henry Smith Charity, and through the award of a one-off contract toincrease the landlord base for Smartmove. We again made a small surplus, but the split of our funding remains 60:40between contracts and grants, and we continue to work to strengthen our financial resilience in what are challengingand competitive times.

The charts to the left illustrate our income and expenditure for the financial year April 2011 – March 2012.

For more detailed information the full audited annual accounts and the Trustees’ annual report can be consulted;copies can be obtained from The Director, Community Housing Aid, McCoys Arcade, Fore Street, Exeter, EX4 3AN.

The Independent Auditors’ Report concluded that the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of thecompany’s affairs as at 31st March 2012 and of its incoming resources and application of resources. The financialstatements have been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 1985 and the information given in theTrustees’ Report is consistent with the financial statements.

Finance Report

summarise concisely and move through an agenda swiftly! We have been delighted to welcome Derek Gifford to our Board ofTrustees. Derek was formally co-opted in March, after attending a few meetings as an observer. As ever, we are continuing to seekadditional Trustees to augment the expertise and experience that we already have.

 The Trustees would like to thank our very loyal and hardworking staff and volunteers for their continued commitment and loyaltythroughout the year. On behalf of the Board, I would like to pay tribute to Ralph Hayward, who has so ably chaired CHA over thelast 3 years.  Ralph took the decision to step down as Chair in November 2011, although we are delighted that we continue toretain his knowledge and expertise as a Trustee. I would also like to thank my colleague Trustees who continue to work exceptionallyhard for CHA, and for their support to me in my new role as Chair.

Lorna Fielker

Chair of Trustee’s Note

Nightstop Devon

653 Referrals

400+ bednights provided

150 young people supported with their housing,welfare and benefits

The Accommodation Gateway Service provides advice and support to offenders to enable them to secure suitable, affordableaccommodation, and is funded by Devon and Cornwall Probation Trust. We aim to achieve this in a number of ways; be itsupporting clients into supported accommodation, maintaining existing accommodation or accessing the private rentedsector. For some, we also have access to tenancy related support; helping them meet the challenges that a new tenancybrings.

In the last year the Accommodation Gateway Service received 147 referrals. 86 were successfully accommodated, theremainder were given advice on tenancy maintenance, housing options or signposted to relevant agencies.As with all services supporting offenders, one of our main aims is to support a reduction in re-offending.

Accommodation is a key factor in achieving this; providing stability and a foundation to enable an individual to make therelevant changes in their life and contribute as a member of society. Community Housing Aid is committed to trying toaddress accommodation issues and will strive to continue to provide solutions to individual’s issues.

In addition to the Accommodation Gateway, we have recently started an advice desk at Exeter Magistrates Court. With thehelp of volunteers we aim to provide open, non-judgemental advice and support to first time offenders. We hope that byenabling them to access the support they need, some of the issues that have contributed to their criminality will be addressed,such as poor or unaffordable housing, domestic violence, substance misuse and debt.

The Community Advice Support Service (or CASS) Desk is open every Tuesday at Exeter Magistrates Court.

Accommodation Gateway

Accommodation Gateway

147 Referrals

86 successfully accommodated

61 given advice on tenancy maintenance, housingoptions or signposted to relevant agencies.

Nightstop Devon

Given the current economic situation we expected another busy year for Nightstop Devon, and that's how it turned out!Our volunteer hosts continued to provide an amazing and much-needed service to homeless 16-25 year olds, providing themwith a bed for the night, food and a listening ear. The good news is that our future was now looks a lot more secure after asuccessful application for a Big Lottery Reaching Communities Grant.

We supported over 150 young people and processed 653 referrals over the year. Our hosts provided over 400 bednights toyoung people who would otherwise be facing a night on the street or staying in unsafe or unsuitable accommodation. Themajority of people referred to us were 21 or under and as usual the main cause of homelessness was family breakdown.

Recent cuts to welfare and homelessness services in Devon have had an impact on the service. We are finding it increasinglydifficult to find suitable housing for our service users to move onto. This has led to people staying for longer periods onNightstop. We have tried to find different solutions to this, including developing a mediation service with Devon Mediation.The aim of the mediation is to help young people and families improve the relationships and to open up the possibility ofthem moving back home. We have also looked to expand our Crashpad project. Crashpad is a longer-term version ofNightstop, with young people staying for two week blocks with hosts, to give them more time to find somewhere permanent.

We were delighted to win the Guardian Charity of the Year Award in December 2011. The fact that Nightstop Devon waspicked from nearly 1000 entrants is testament to the great work our volunteers do and recognition of everyone who hasever stayed on Nightstop. Young people get a lot of negative press, but the success of our scheme, and the fact that in over11 years we have never had any serious incidents, shows that if you give someone a chance and show them some trust, thenit will be repaid.

“ The help I got from Nightstop was fantastic. Nightstop hosts gave me a warm safe bed and acooked meal. I met some fantastic people who were all caring, friendly and willing to help!

I wouldn't be in my new home now if it wasn't for them.”

Devon Smartmove

£36,836 Total bond value that has been issued in the last year149 Households supported to find long- term accommodation.100 landlord and letting agents that we work with across Devon

Resettlement Devon

It is well documented that mental health can affect anyone, rich or poor, young or old; and one in four of us will experiencea mental health problem at some point in our lives. The effects of mental health problems on both the individual and theirfamily and loved ones can be hugely distressing and for many, the stigma associated with mental health continues to beas challenging as the symptoms of the illness itself. It is clear that these issues have a negative impact on housing, be it insustaining an existing tenancy, or accessing suitable, affordable accommodation. Through our Resettlement service, weaim to address this for clients referred by Devon Partnership NHS Trust.

Of the 126 individuals we supported over these 12 months, over a third were assisted to maintain their tenancy. The mainsupport needs were affordability; help with debt management; and complying with tenancy agreements. Often this latterissue is resolved with mediation between landlords and client whilst also ensuring the right type of support is available tothe client. One longer term benefit of this intervention is the peace of mind that their tenancy is safe and secure to returnto following any future admissions to hospital.

Access to support and services in the community is an important aspect of any person’s wellbeing. We strive to ensure thatclients are able to access accommodation where existing support structures exist, or new ones can be implemented. Havingyour own home, whether it is supported accommodation, a furnished room or a house is the cornerstone of an individual’sindependence. When a person has a decent, safe, and affordable home, he or she has the opportunity to become part ofthe community. With stable, appropriate housing, people with mental illnesses are able to achieve other important lifegoals including improved health, education, job training, and employment for the individual’s future well being.

Affordability has become an even bigger issue for many people during the past year, and our links with o,ther services havebeen widely called upon to help clients deal with wide ranging financial problems.

Resettlement Devon

126 New Clients55 Accommodated, through the private rented sector,

supported housing or other agencies.27 Accommodation and tenancy secured

44 supported with Debt and benefits

Devon Smartmove

Devon SmartMove is a private rental access scheme. We continue to work with vulnerable families and individuals who wishto secure affordable, sustainable, privately rented accommodation across Devon. Over the 12 years that Devon SmartMovehas been in business we have developed a range of services to help us achieve this sometimes challenging task.

Devon SmartMove has accommodated in excess of 1,000 households over the last five years. We work with over 100 landlordsand letting agents across Devon. In the last 12 months we have issued bonds totalling £36,836. 149 households – families,couples and single people – have found long term, sustainable accommodation through our efforts and those of the agencieswe work with.

Devon SmartMove’s work in East Devon is funded by East Devon District Council; in Mid Devon by Mid Devon District Council,and in Exeter by the John Paul Getty Jnr Charitable Trust.

This year Devon SmartMove would like to thank all those agencies, individuals, landlords and agents who have made anothersuccessful year. This year we would like to particularly thank Life, Catholic Children’s Society and the Royal British Legion fortheir enduring and significant support.

" I have to say without SmartMove's help I really don't know how I would have ended up!"

"You do an amazing job. We wouldn't be where we are now, settled and enjoyingour fresh start in our new home if it wasn't for you."

" They were very professional and made me feel like a human..."

Devon SmartMove now delivers a range of housing and tenancy related training and landlord forums

RESETTLEMENTMENTAL HEALTH

Some of the reciprocalissues related to mentalhealth deterioration andhousing related problems

AND SOME OF THE LONGERTERM CHALLENGES

Guarantee bond in place of a cash deposit

SmartMove savings scheme

Help to source rent in advance

Referral to other charities for financial assistance

Referral to other agencies for practical assistance

Thorough housing needs assessment

One-to-one tenancy workshops

PRS Access training for clients & workers

from other agencies

Landlord and tenant mediation

Raising the profile of our “client groups”

Sourcing privately rented accommodation

Budgeting advice and financial capability

Lettings advice on rents

Advice on markets

Information on local authority grants

General advice on notices and environmental

health issues

Landlord and tenant mediation

Landlord forums

Tenant-find

Accompanied property viewings

Knowledgeable housing benefit liaison

Housing benefit advice for landlords

Legislation updates and information sharing

Guarantee bond in place of a cash deposit

Inventories, tenancy agreements and paperwork

ds Devonsmartmove

NIGHTSTOP DEVONOCTOBER 2011CELEBRATES 10 YEARSTHROUGH A SELL OUT CREATIVE YOUTH PRODUCTIONCALLED TOLD:RETOLD AT THE BIKESHED THEATRE

Staff braved a cold nightunder the stars to raisemoney for Nightstop Devon

NIGHTSTOP TEIGNMOUTH BASEDCORPORATE SPONSORRENTSHIELD DIRECT8TH JULY 2011

NIGHTSTOP DEVONDECEMBER 2011

Dedicated to the amazingwork our volunteers havedone over the last 10 years

WINS GUARDIAN CHARITY

OF THE YEAR