Resettlement Service

Moving house can be a difficult and stressful experience for anyone. It is particularly difficult for those with mental health problems.
The Resettlement Service aims to:

• Offer support and practical assistance to clients with mental health needs who are beginning new tenancies with Elmbridge Housing Trust.
• Enable clients with mental health needs to live independently and have control and choice over their own lives.
• Contribute to a reduction in hospital admissions, rent arrears and neighbourhood difficulties.

The Resettlement Service can help single people and families with mental health needs who are commencing a new tenancy with Elmbridge Housing Trust.

The Resettlement Service can offer you assistance with:

• Benefits
• Budgeting & Money
• Accommodation - Utilities & Council Tax
• Accommodation - Furniture
• Support Network

Benefits

• Check that you are receiving all the benefits that you are entitled to.
• Help you to apply for new benefits.
• Help you with applications for grants or loans from the Social Fund.
• Help you with benefit reviews and appeals.

Budgeting & Money

• Help you to make a list of your monthly outgoings in your new home.
• Help you to arrange your bills so that they are paid in the way that suits you.
• Help you to negotiate outstanding debts.

Accommodation - Utilities & Council Tax

• Help you to arrange connection of your electricity, gas, water and telephone.
• Help you to arrange your TV Licence and Council Tax payments.
• Give advice on the different payment options that each company offers.

Accommodation - Furniture

• Help you to get the furniture you need.
• Assist you in contacting local charities and second hand appliance shops for items.

Support Network

• Where appropriate, your Resettlement Officer will encourage you to seek support from other agencies such as the local Community Mental Health services or local advocacy groups. Your Resettlement Officer can give advice and assistance with referrals and can work with these other agencies to provide you with support.
• If you are already receiving support from other agencies your Resettlement Officer will be happy to work with these agencies.
• If you have had to move into a new area, your Resettlement Officer can help you to find a new GP, change your support services and let you know of any clubs or activities available in your new area.

If you think that you may meet the services criteria you can speak with your Homeless Persons Case Worker/Allocations Officer at Elmbridge Borough Council on 01372 474474 or your Housing Estates Officer/Customer Services Officer at Elmbridge Housing Trust and ask them to refer you to the service.

If you have any queries or would like further information then please contact the Resettlement Officer at Elmbridge Housing Trust.

Further Information:
Resettlement leaflet