Alliance established in Birmingham for promoting self-sustaining lifestyle
A New Initiative Helps Birmingham Residents Transition to Independent Living
The 'Moving On' programme, a collaborative effort between Sustain UK and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), is making strides in Birmingham to help individuals transition from supported accommodation to independent living.
The programme, currently in a pilot phase, offers courses facilitated by The Salvation Army, focusing on money management, tenancy skills, and employability. Key aspects of the programme include one-on-one financial counseling, homeownership education, and credit repair, aimed at empowering residents to maintain their own homes sustainably.
Three individuals, Mason Boreland (25), Trey Buchanan (22), and Athar Hussain (21), have been selected to test the 'Moving On' programme. They are currently living together in a house in North Birmingham, receiving support to develop the skills needed for independent tenancy.
Mason Boreland, one of the participants, expresses his aim to gain further independence and move into full-time work. Athar Hussain, another participant, highlights the benefits of living with other people while participating in the 'Moving On' programme, enabling better support for each other.
Sustain UK will offer affordable accommodation to participants who complete the 'Moving On' programme's course. This aligns with Birmingham’s broader housing strategies, which include supporting vulnerable populations in stable housing and expanding affordable housing options.
Natalie Cartmell, MBE, district partnership manager for Birmingham and Solihull, stated that the 'Moving On' project provides opportunities for residents to move on from supported accommodation. All three participants share the same goal of bettering themselves through the 'Moving On' programme.
The 'Moving On' programme aims to demonstrate to potential landlords that with the right education, tenants can succeed. It also offers classroom-based skills training to encourage people to get into full-time work.
With nearly 1,800 people in supported accommodation and over 400 properties under management across Birmingham and the West Midlands, the 'Moving On' programme is a significant step towards reducing homelessness and housing instability in the city.
- This 'Moving On' programme, designed to assist individuals transition from supported accommodation to independent living, includes courses on topics like housing, lifestyle, and outdoor-living through home-and-garden training.
- Upon completion of the 'Moving On' programme, participants can look forward to sustainable living in affordable accommodations, facilitated by Sustain UK, which supports Birmingham's broader housing strategies focusing on stable housing and expanding affordable housing options for vulnerable populations.
