HOUSING MATTERS RECEIVE FUNDING FOR NEW ROLE

Manx Lottery Trust has recently awarded Housing Matters a grant of £30,000 to fund a new Training and Support Officer for two years.

Established in 2007, the local homeless support charity works to prevent, reduce and manage homelessness in the Isle of Man. By providing ongoing support, it helps individuals return to independence by finding them suitable accommodation whilst looking into long-term solutions.

A particular concern for the charity is the number of young people becoming homeless, who they hope to assist with the help of a Training and Support Officer. The new Officer, Lucie Tomkinson, will deliver a Peer Education programme, established to educate students about the reality of leaving home at a younger age. Doing so without planning and support has, in some cases, led to homelessness.

Lucie will also inform students of the Tenancy Training Programme, aimed towards anyone who has either not had a tenancy before, or who has had an unsuccessful tenancy. From this, they can learn their rights and responsibilities as a tenant, but also those of the landlord.

Julie Marshall, Manager of Housing Matters, explained: ‘This new role in the charity will be vital in our attempt at reducing homelessness in many ways. Not only will the new Officer educate students of all ages across the Isle of Man, but they will deliver training to other Housing Matters employees to ensure they are up to date on policies and procedures, keeping in line with Government legislation.

‘On behalf of the charity, we are extremely grateful for this generous grant from Manx Lottery Trust which will aid us in supporting and protecting our young and vulnerable people on the Island.’

Sarah Kelly, Trustee at Manx Lottery Trust, said: ‘We really appreciate the work Housing Matters do in enabling people to get back on their feet by sourcing accommodation. This why we are pleased to support them with this funding, which will assist in preventing these ongoing issues.’

This grant is from Manx Lottery Trust’s Community Awards Programme. Manx Lottery Trust has been delegated to distribute National Lottery money from The National Lottery Community Fund. To find out more, visit: www.mlt.org.im