A project to help new tenants with decorating, carpeting, life skills and any additional support has supported 20 people so far.

The initiative is aimed at tenants aged 35 and under who are unemployed, receiving benefits or on minimum wage. Studies have shown that they are at most risk of being unable to sustain a tenancy, so we wanted to ensure that additional support was in place.

Caitlain, 21 from Grimsby, met our Skills & Personal Development team earlier this year where counselling support was put in place. Then, upon learning that she didn’t have carpets in her home and it was affecting both her physical and mental health, she was referred to the Improving Lives project.

Carpets and underlay were quickly fitted, and additional funding was also obtained to furnish Caitlain’s home with white goods and electrical items.

She said: “It’s made me a lot happier – my home is now much warmer and I can really feel the difference. All the support has been brilliant, including help to fill in forms for additional income that I didn’t know I was entitled to.

“It was made clear straight away that it doesn’t matter that I live outside of Scunthorpe. The same level of support is available for all tenants, and it was delivered in a way tailored to my needs.

“It’s one of the best things that has happened to me, and my future looks a lot brighter now.”

Ruti, 33, and her son Arturo, 2, have also benefitted from having carpets laid and their new home painted. She explained: “I’m very grateful and, with me expecting another child in October, it’s set us up in our home and will help with reducing energy costs. Arturo took a real interest when the work was taking place and it’s clear to see how happy he has been since.

“I’ve also been receiving extra support with bills, council tax and rent advice which has been reassuring. We have gone from being homeless only a few months ago to now living in a lovely home, with lots of special family memories ahead of us.”

Sam Smith, painter and decorator for Improving Lives, commented: “The most satisfying part has been seeing the improvements in tenants as well as their homes. They are happier and have more confidence, plus the skills that they have learnt have made a real difference.

“For example, one tenant went from having issues maintaining their home to then painting the rest of the house and regularly cleaning in just one week.”

Paul Akester volunteered on the project and added: “It’s helped to grow me as a person, particularly in meeting people and developing my social skills. I’m now being supported to seek other volunteering opportunities that are available and to find other ways to give something back to the community.”

Check out more about the range of support available.