Housing advice service launches

Monday 02 August 2021

A new service has been launched for islanders who need support and guidance around housing.

The Housing Advice Service is a new online resource providing information, advice, and support for islanders around all aspects of housing - from renting to deposits, buying, and selling in Jersey.

It will also provide information and advice on affordable housing for first time buyers as well as offering support for the homeless members of Jersey’s community.  

Islanders in need of extra help will be able to 'self-refer' to the service via an online form or by sending an email.

In addition, a new Housing Support Specialist Officer, Jade Boschat, has been appointed to offer “positive and consistent support” to help people find housing, create personalised action plans to address specific needs, and co-ordinate between various services.

Pictured: The service will provide information, advice, and support around all aspects of housing, from renting, to deposits, buying, and selling in Jersey.

“I am delighted that we now have a team in place,” Safeguarding and Critical Support Team Manager, Heather McManus, said. “Having a dedicated team who can focus on the individual needs of islanders will make things easier for the members of our community facing housing problems.”

UK-based charity, Homeless Link, has partnered with the Government to review and develop a more robust service for tackling homelessness, tailored to the needs of Jersey’s population.

Housing Minister Deputy Russell Labey said the launch was “encouraging news” for islanders, adding: “I am sure the hard work and efforts of the team behind the service will hugely benefit those that need support in their housing needs.

“We are getting closer to tackling the problem with homelessness and I remain positive that we can and will continue to help those members of our island community.”

Pictured: Deputy Labey, the Minister for Housing and Communities, said the launch was "encouraging news" for islanders.

The service was mentioned in the Government Plan 2020-2023 as part of measures to “improve support and protection for tenants”, for which a budget of £1.5m was allocated.

It was established earlier this year, following the publication of the Homelessness Strategy, which also suggested continuing the work started during the pandemic around the emergency housing team and developing partnerships between the Government and property owners.

At the time, Deputy Labey said it would provide “consolidated housing information, advice, and support for islanders that need it”. “The project will deliver the foundations and processes that are needed to support the Homelessness Strategy,” he added.

“The service will also look into increasing the range of accommodation and support that is available to those who are homeless or threatened with homelessness. As part of this, we are looking to develop new referral pathways for people to access and sustain accommodation, including access to appropriate multi-agency support and tailored accommodation options based on best practice elsewhere."

CLICK HERE to access the Housing Advice Service site.