RESIDENT RESOURCES

Benefit Advice and Debt Support

We are able to help with a whole host of issues, from Universal Credit, overpayments, maximising your benefits to increase your money, support with debts, grant and discretionary housing applications.  Please get in touch with your housing officer for further advice and support on  01253228944.

You can also get specialist advice at your local Citizens Advice Bureaux (CAB).  You can search for your local office here. Alternatively, you can contact them on their national helpline on 08001448848.  

You can also get online benefit advice and information at the Turn2Us website by clicking here.

Are you claiming the right benefits?

You can use the Government online benefits calculator to check that your entitlement to benefits.

To help manage your debts why not complete our income and expenditure form here.

 For people who are well and able to leave their homes but experiencing food hardship, local foodbanks may be able to help in the short-term. Visit Trussell Trust to locate your nearest foodbank.

 Alternatively, If you require a referral to a food bank or voucher, call your support or housing officer on 01235.

Self-isolating brings new challenges for people who are living through domestic abuse and it may be difficult to access support or escape abuse. Support is available from the Police as normal, please always call 999 for emergency support or 101 for non-emergency support.

For anyone worried about isolating with a perpetrator or if you are worried about someone else, please call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on free phone 0808 2000 247 (24/7 support) or make contact online.

When telephone support is not safe, Women’s Aid offer an online service, this includes an instant messaging service (available weekdays 10am - 12pm), email support (response within 5 days) and a survivor’s handbook to get help on housing, safety planning, dealing with police and more.

If you are a resident and require emergency accommodation due to domestic violence please contact us on 01253228944 or email us  here. 

Council Assistance funds

Every borough has a discretionary, Household Support Fund to help with costs such as food and utilities. To find out more and apply contact your local council - find your local council

Government help with gas and electricity bills

The government has announced several schemes to help with the rising costs of utilities. Please see updates here Help for households. Much of the support available is paid automatically to those who are eligible with active claims however, residents need to apply for;

Warm Home discount scheme
You could get £140 off your electricity bill or towards your prepayment meter if you are on a low income or in receipt of guarantee credit element of pension credit.  The scheme is available between September and March. Warm Home Discount Scheme: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Winter fuel payment
You may be able to get a Winter Fuel Payment of between £100-£300 towards winter heating bills. To check if you are eligible Winter Fuel Payment: Overview

Utilities and water companies
Many offer extra support to vulnerable people and/or those on low incomes, the CAB have a helpful guide with details of extra support offered by utilities and water companies.

Discretionary help with arrears

Get help from your local council. You may be able to claim a Discretionary Housing Payment or get help from the Local Welfare Assistance Scheme. Each council runs its own scheme with different qualifying criteria but some may be able to help with food vouchers, energy top-ups, or grants to deal with emergencies.  It's worth having a look at your council’s website to see if you can apply.

 A gateway to information about the brilliant support available to you if you are between 16 and 24 years old and looking to make a step towards a great career. 

Click here for further  details

 Online portal of information about help to get into employment or signpost you to organisations who can help you with steps toward that perfect job.   Click here for further information.

Courses  For Jobs

If you’re aged 19 or over, you could access a level 3 qualification for free. This is part of the support available from the government to help you gain the skills you need to get the job you want - whatever your stage of life.

A level 3 qualification is equivalent to an advanced technical certificate or diploma, or A levels.

The qualifications could help you:

• gain skills that employers value
• improve your job prospects
• earn a higher wage

If you’re eligible, you will not have to pay for your level 3 qualification. The government will pay the course fees.

You can get a free level 3 qualification if you:

• are 19 or over and do not already have a level 3 qualification
• already have a level 3 qualification or higher but earn below the National Living Wage annually (£20,319 from April 2023)
• already have a level 3 qualification or higher but are unemployed

If you’re eligible, visit the National Careers Service course finder to find a suitable course near you.

For further information and guidance visit the Government website here.

You are eligible to swap your home under the following circumstances:

• You have had your tenancy for at least a year
• Your rent account is up to date
• The person you want to swap with will not be overcrowded in your property
• We are not currently going through the possession process

You can search for a swap on the national site Home swapper by clicking on the logo.

If you would like to apply for a mutual exchange you can download the application form here.

You must not dump bulky waste in the street.  Blackpool council will fine you for flytipping.  You must also not dump items in the communal areas of the property as this is a health and safety hazard and SGH will take action.

Bulky Matters is a partnership between Blackpool Council and the charity Furniture Matters, which aims to transform Blackpool's bulky waste into a reusable resource to benefit the community.

The service collects the following household items: 

• Furniture, including bed frames and mattresses
• Soft furnishings
• Domestic electrical appliances
• Kitchen items
• ICT equipment
• Toys/games and bicycles

View the full list of household items that we can and cannot collect

These will then be distributed to local people therefore reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill and helping those who need support.

For bookings there is a minimum charge of £21 for up to 3 items.  Additional items are charged at £7.50 each.

The service is run on an appointment only basis so you will be able to choose the day and time of your collection.

Book a collection here.

 As a resident of SGH, it is your responsibility, as outlined in your tenancy agreement, to take care of your home. This includes addressing condensation and preventing mould growth, thus reducing the risk of recurrence.

There are instances, though, where we, as your housing provider, are responsible, such as in cases of building design flaws or maintenance issues.

In the following sections, we will explain the causes of mould, how to identify early signs, what actions to take if mould appears in your home, and the available treatments.

What Causes Mould? 

Mould develops when condensation accumulates in your home. Proper ventilation is crucial, especially when cooking or drying clothes indoors.

Mould typically appears as green, grey, or black spots on walls and ceilings, indicating excessive moisture in the air. Since mould can spread rapidly, it's important to promptly ventilate the area and clean off the mould if you notice any signs in your property.

Where Does Mould Grow? 

Mould thrives in damp areas, commonly found around windows, in bathrooms and kitchens, and in poorly ventilated spaces. It can also grow on soft materials such as carpets, curtains, and clothing. Neglected excess condensation will eventually lead to mould growth.

How Can I Prevent Mould and Damp? 

You can minimize mould by keeping your home warm and ensuring proper ventilation. This reduces moisture in the air, consequently decreasing condensation and mould. Here are some practical tips to prevent mould and damp in your home:

1. Avoid placing wet clothes on radiators, as they release moisture into the room. Instead, dry clothes outside or in a room with an open window or an extractor fan.
2. Cover saucepans while cooking to minimize steam escaping into the room. This is also more energy-efficient.
3. If you must use paraffin or bottled gas heaters, ensure they are used in well-ventilated rooms. These heaters release significant amounts of water vapor and can be dangerous.
4. Always use an extractor fan or open a window when cooking or showering.
5. Add cold water first when running a bath to reduce steam.
6. Close doors to prevent moist air from spreading to other rooms.
7. Keep window vents open to allow air circulation.
8. Regularly check behind furniture, especially against external walls, for signs of mould. Whenever possible, place furniture against internal walls or leave gaps to promote airflow.
9. Open curtains during the day to prevent condensation build-up behind them.
10. Keep air bricks and extractor fans unobstructed.
11. Check that extractor fans are functioning properly and free from dust build-up.
12. Avoid draught-proofing kitchen and bathroom windows or rooms prone to damp, as it hinders ventilation.
13. Maintain a reasonable level of warmth in your home during winter, such as 21°C in the living room and 18°C in bedrooms, as recommended by the World Health Organization. You don't have to maintain these temperatures all the time but try to reach them for part of the day.
14. Keep materials like clothes, carpets, towels, and rugs clean and dry.

How Can I Treat Mould and Damp? 

Always clean away signs of mould before it spreads. Use a cloth with an antifungal or antibacterial spray, and ensure the area is thoroughly dried afterward. Regular repetition of this process can prevent a severe mould outbreak.

After cleaning, if you're satisfied that the mould has been treated, consider redecorating using a high-quality fungicidal paint. Ordinary paint or wallpaper won't solve the problem.

Who is Responsible? 

Mould and damp resulting from occasional occurrences or lack of proper care and attention are your responsibility according to the terms of your tenancy with SGH.

However, if the mould worsens over time despite your efforts to control it, it may be due to building design flaws or property maintenance issues, including the following:

1. Penetrating damp: Caused by leaky roofs, windows, plumbing, drainage, or guttering. Once identified and fixed, the dampness should not reoccur.
2. Rising damp: Extremely rare, this occurs when water soaks up from the ground into the walls. It mainly affects older properties lacking damp courses or damp-retaining walls.

In such circumstances, please contact us immediately. You can do so through our 'Contact Us' page. After an initial phone assessment, we will arrange for a professional to visit your home and fully assess the situation.