Keys to Success encompasses a wide range of issues including how the housing register works, tenants' responsibilities, how to manage money, healthy eating on a budget, community involvement and volunteering, and repairs and home security
The first session, held in conjunction with a range of partner organisations, has taken place involving 17 potential tenants.
A practical workshop was staged in a furnished property belonging to Housing Hartlepool, where participants were given cookery lessons, shown how to do simple DIY jobs such as installing security chains, painting a door and measuring a window to hang curtains.
Angela Fusco, a member of Housing Hartlepool's Resident Participation Team, said: "Housing associations are much more than landlords, we also focus on providing a range of community support to make a difference to people's lives.
The aim of our "Keys to Success" scheme is to help people develop the skills needed to run their own home including how to budget and save, how to eat healthily on a strict income. It also gives them advice on looking after and caring for their property as well as their responsibilities as a tenant."
The programme involves other agencies including Hartlepool Borough Council, Tees Valley Housing Group, the Primary Care Trust, Hartlepool Crime Prevention Unit, and the credit Union Moneywise.
The scheme, which is being financially supported by Hartlepool Council's Supporting People Fund, will hold two-day long sessions on a monthly basis. If you think that you or somebody you know could benefit from this scheme please contact Angela Fusco on 01429 525489.
The photograph shows Carl Lamb working in kitchen with Norma Morrish, who is a Tenant Board member with Housing Hartlepool. |