Derby social landlord Derventio Housing Trust is handing out antibacterial wipes and disposable paper roll to people who are self-isolating across the city as it helps its residents to cope during the coronavirus outbreak.
The trust, which is based in Boyer Street, has taken a number of steps to protect the welfare of its residents, including also ensuring that they have essential supplies such as medication and food.
Derventio offers supported accommodation to around 200 people across the city who have recently experienced homelessness, as well as offering them the guidance and practical help they need in order to rebuild their lives.
Staff are also checking with residents to discuss any health conditions, symptoms or worries that they might have, as well as giving them advice based on the latest Government guidance and ensuring that they receive regular contact via phone or text.
READ MORE: Derventio Housing Trust celebrates 10 years helping the homeless
Sarah Hernandez, Managing Director of Derventio Housing Trust, said that many of its residents can be vulnerable during the current outbreak, because they often lack local support networks while experiencing physical health conditions and poor mental health.
She said: “Our staff are key workers who provide a crucial service in the health and social care sector and as such we are taking steps to minimise the risks to all employees, such as reducing contact with residents and home working where possible.
“Through all of this, however, our priority is to continue to provide support, practical help and reassurance to the people living in our supported housing, which is why we are handing out supplies and ensuring that our residents have the food and medication that they need.”
Derventio Housing, which employs 90 staff and deals with 1,100 people every year, also runs a number of community projects designed to bring people together and equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to take control of their lives.
These include a community garden and upcycling workshop called Growing Lives in Cotmanhay, the Home4Me project, which it runs on behalf of Derby Homes, and Healthy Futures, an award-winning scheme which works with homeless people who get admitted to A&E and ensures that they have somewhere to go once they are discharged.
If anyone would like to support Derventio during this challenging time, they can make a quick and easy online donation at www.localgiving.org/derventio
ENDS
Notes for Editors
Derventio Housing Trust is an award-winning specialist social housing provider for people who have recently been experiencing homelessness. It is a Community Interest Company reg 05886593. It started when it set up a temporary winter night shelter in Derby in 2003. It is also a Registered Provider of social housing.
Owing to the high demand, it grew and developed its accommodation, its geographic coverage and complementary support services.
It currently manages 600 bed spaces of accommodation for single homeless people in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.
Working strategically with partners – local authorities, funders, other not-for-profits – it helps more than 1,100 people each year by offering housing, support and specialist projects in order that they improve their health and wellbeing, increase resilience and prepare for independent living, learning and employment.
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