NOMAD’s Burngreave Tenancy Support Scheme, based on Grimesthorpe Road, provides housing advice, support and practical help to people from all backgrounds who live in the Burngreave area.
NOMAD have successfully supported those moving into new homes, as well as existing tenants, who are at risk of losing their tenancies or may be struggling to maintain their homes. They can assist people to negotiate the housing and benefits system, help people to find education, employment and training opportunities and access the health systems or relevant groups in their area.
Working with clients from all backgrounds and ages, NOMAD has experience of working with issues surrounding mental health, substance misuse, domestic violence and a variety of other needs. Project Manager, Sam Mansell, said:
“NOMAD aim to promote independent living by encouraging people to develop and learn new skills. An example of which was providing support to a woman from Africa who spoke little English and had many health problems. She had no family or friends and needed support to set up home and access the health system. NOMAD helped her get benefits and access college. She was finally able to live independently.”
Caseworker, Donna Wilson, told the Messenger: “We visit clients at least once a fortnight at home. We also work with other local organisations to find the best help for clients.” Private tenants can benefit through NOMAD SmartMove, who provide support to tenants in the private sector. They also offer a Bond Guarantee scheme. SmartMove Manager, Lynne Allen, said:
“In some cases our project may also provide bond guarantee up to £300. An example of SmartMove’s support included a man who had split up from his partner. SmartMove helped him to set up payment plans and to budget, helped him to find a tenancy, claim housing benefit and eventually take responsibility for the full care of his two children. The family were finally able to access their first holiday in some ears through the Family Holiday Association.”
If you think NOMAD may be able to help you then contact us. Referrals can also come from family, friends, GPs or other agencies concerned about an individual or family. NOMAD is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. It has a 21-bed residential project in Rotherham for homeless young people and an advice centre on West Street, Sheffield, where they also run a young persons’ project, Nomad Plus.
NOMAD recognises the valuable contribution made by people giving their free time to the service and offers a range of volunteering opportunities that could lead to nationally recognised qualifications.
For NOMAD’s Burngreave Tenancy Support Scheme, call 244 0944 or email burngreave@nomadsheffield.co.uk. For SmartMove call 273 8805 or email smartmove@nomadsheffield.co.uk. To volunteer telephone Trudie White, Volunteer Co-ordinator, on 275 5441 or email volunteers@nomadsheffield.co.uk.
by Ben Knight