Who are we?
Arena Community began a supported housing programme at the end of 2014 for vulnerable individuals in the community. People often arrived at the foodbank who were homeless or who wanted to change their lives but did not know where to start. We have 5 shared supported houses comprising of 2-3 bedrooms per house and one ‘move-on’ flat. Our houses are single sex and we can accommodate men and women.
What support do we provide?
Once an individual has successfully completed the assessment process and has been offered a room we arrange a day for them to move in. We can then help the individual to set up their housing benefit and provide them with bedding, toiletries, food parcels and any other practical items they may need. In the first few weeks support workers will offer to meet the tenant to create a support plan and find out about what we can do to help them. This could include, but is not limited to applying for benefits, registering with a local GP, attending appointments and developing skills or interests.
Our tenants benefit from 10 food parcels a year and we are also able to offer them ‘well-being’ money. This can be used to pursue hobbies, have beauty treatments or purchase clothes.
Our criteria
We accept referrals from single individuals who are classed as low-medium risk. We are unable to take individuals with complex mental health issues. Unfortunately we do not have any accommodation that is fully accessible for wheelchair users.
How to refer:
You can refer an individual by contacting us on 0115 944 4990 or by email to info@arenacommunity.co.uk