New housing scheme for ex-offenders is inspiring hope for the future
We're working in partnership with the Probation Service and local private landlords to help ex-offenders into private rented accommodation. The Accommodation for Ex-Offenders (AFEO) partnership has played a vital role in helping tenants develop new skills and enjoy a fresh start in life.
The initiative aims to reduce homelessness and rough sleeping for ex-offenders by creating sustainable tenancies in the private rented sector, with incentives including ongoing advice, and support from us and partners are available to both landlords and tenants.
Funding from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) enabled us to successfully bid for the scheme on the back of the success of our Offenders Homeless Prevention Pathway, created following the introduction of the Homeless Reduction Act 2017.
A key objective of the AFEO scheme was to create 15 new private tenancies for ex-offenders across Gateshead in its first year of operation. Working with private landlords and other key partners, we developed and launched the scheme in 2022, and by March 2023 had successfully established 14 tenancies in the private rented sector for ex-offenders. As a result of this progress, we have recently been successful in securing an additional two years' funding for the scheme, aiming to achieve a further 15 tenancies each year, taking the total number of new tenancies created within the scheme overall to 45.
The scheme works by providing Landlords with financial incentives, including landlord insurance, which can be accessed alongside support that ensures their properties meets the required health and safety standards.
Landlord, Carrie Hargreaves, is impressed with the support she has received from the AFEO partnership:
"Previously, I'd always approach estate agents to find tenants. I appreciate how costly this can be for some individuals, so I feel with this scheme I'm doing something worthwhile, plus it saves me a little bit of money as no fees. I've been impressed with how quickly a suitable tenant was identified, and the matching process feels well thought through. The wrap around support for tenants is also excellent."
A specialist Homeless Support Worker provides support to tenants, and works in partnership with others towards making the tenancy sustainable. They will guide the tenant on how to make benefit claims, furnish the property, and become self-sufficient.
One tenant spoke about their experience:
"I was sofa surfing due to splitting up with my partner before being part of this scheme. The inspection carried out at the start of the tenancy put my mind at rest that the property was up to scratch, and all my benefits were applied for when I signed up for the flat. Any repairs I have needed my landlord has been on it."
If any tenancy issues arise, such as rent arrears, the Homeless Support Worker can facilitate contact between the tenant and landlord to address the issues early on and to come to a resolution quickly.
Additionally, it is the Homeless Support Worker's role to help increase the confidence of the tenant and support them to become a good neighbour and member of their community.
Councillor John Adams, Cabinet member for Housing at Gateshead Council, said:
"The scheme so far has provided 14 tenancies in Gateshead, for people who would have otherwise struggled to find private accommodation. They have received intensive support in relation to applying for benefits, job seeking, as well as support in how to sustain their tenancy, and we're now seeing these individuals thrive, with a new found confidence and positivity for the future.
"The landlords and letting agents we have worked with have been excellent, often going above and beyond for their tenants. I really can't thank them enough for the chance they have given to these people who otherwise may have still been sofa surfing or in temporary accommodation."
We're working in partnership with the Probation Service and local private landlords to help ex-offenders into private rented accommodation. The Accommodation for Ex-Offenders (AFEO) partnership has played a vital role in helping tenants develop new skills and enjoy a fresh start in life.
The initiative aims to reduce homelessness and rough sleeping for ex-offenders by creating sustainable tenancies in the private rented sector, with incentives including ongoing advice, and support from us and partners are available to both landlords and tenants.
Funding from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) enabled us to successfully bid for the scheme on the back of the success of our Offenders Homeless Prevention Pathway, created following the introduction of the Homeless Reduction Act 2017.
A key objective of the AFEO scheme was to create 15 new private tenancies for ex-offenders across Gateshead in its first year of operation. Working with private landlords and other key partners, we developed and launched the scheme in 2022, and by March 2023 had successfully established 14 tenancies in the private rented sector for ex-offenders. As a result of this progress, we have recently been successful in securing an additional two years' funding for the scheme, aiming to achieve a further 15 tenancies each year, taking the total number of new tenancies created within the scheme overall to 45.
The scheme works by providing Landlords with financial incentives, including landlord insurance, which can be accessed alongside support that ensures their properties meets the required health and safety standards.
Landlord, Carrie Hargreaves, is impressed with the support she has received from the AFEO partnership:
"Previously, I'd always approach estate agents to find tenants. I appreciate how costly this can be for some individuals, so I feel with this scheme I'm doing something worthwhile, plus it saves me a little bit of money as no fees. I've been impressed with how quickly a suitable tenant was identified, and the matching process feels well thought through. The wrap around support for tenants is also excellent."
A specialist Homeless Support Worker provides support to tenants, and works in partnership with others towards making the tenancy sustainable. They will guide the tenant on how to make benefit claims, furnish the property, and become self-sufficient.
One tenant spoke about their experience:
"I was sofa surfing due to splitting up with my partner before being part of this scheme. The inspection carried out at the start of the tenancy put my mind at rest that the property was up to scratch, and all my benefits were applied for when I signed up for the flat. Any repairs I have needed my landlord has been on it."
If any tenancy issues arise, such as rent arrears, the Homeless Support Worker can facilitate contact between the tenant and landlord to address the issues early on and to come to a resolution quickly.
Additionally, it is the Homeless Support Worker's role to help increase the confidence of the tenant and support them to become a good neighbour and member of their community.
Councillor John Adams, Cabinet member for Housing at Gateshead Council, said:
"The scheme so far has provided 14 tenancies in Gateshead, for people who would have otherwise struggled to find private accommodation. They have received intensive support in relation to applying for benefits, job seeking, as well as support in how to sustain their tenancy, and we're now seeing these individuals thrive, with a new found confidence and positivity for the future.
"The landlords and letting agents we have worked with have been excellent, often going above and beyond for their tenants. I really can't thank them enough for the chance they have given to these people who otherwise may have still been sofa surfing or in temporary accommodation."
