Islington Council has achieved remarkable success through its partnership with Homefinder UK. Since joining the scheme, Islington has facilitated 144 successful moves, including several for domestic violence survivors through our Revive scheme. This collaboration has provided a lifeline for many, offering permanent housing solutions to those who might otherwise face homelessness.
Islington was one of the first boroughs to sign up to the Homefinder UK scheme, demonstrating a proactive approach to tackling homelessness. The council’s housing options and advice teams actively promote Homefinder UK as a viable option for potential homeless clients. By encouraging both families and single individuals to register for the scheme, Islington ensures that a broad range of clients can benefit from the available housing opportunities.
How has Islington managed to achieve such impressive results?
Susan Haire, Mobility Manager of the Housing Options Team at the London Borough of Islington, shares her insights:
Part of my role here in Islington is helping our clients find a home and I am very pleased to recommend Homefinder UK. Islington was one of the first boroughs to sign up with Homefinder UK and it has been an excellent success story so far. Our successful partnership has produced 144 successful moves including several moves for Islington Domestic Violence survivors through Homefinder UK's Revive scheme.
Our housing options and advice teams use Homefinder UK as an option for our potential homeless clients and our officers encourage registering for the Homefinder UK scheme. The scheme is not just for families but also single people too, who are ordinarily unlikely to have priority need under the Housing Act or be eligible for Council flat. Homefinder UK is a great option to have available to offer.
Islington publicise Homefinder UK widely at our Islington Customer Centre with posters displayed in our reception area and leaflets available and to send out. We provide options leaflets in our letters to housing applicants that includes information on Homefinder UK and also on our Council website. But mainly its about talking to our clients - our housing advice team discussing the schemes opportunities with clients and can show clients that there is excellent housing in other areas of the country available. Staff can provide information on the property and area including using the internet to show clients virtually street view and all the local amenities available.
Homefinder UK provide excellent information about the areas and properties available to ensure applicants have all the local knowledge on the area – schools, shops, health services, transport, faith centres, local recreation areas etc.
Islington work very closely with Homefinder UK team case managers who are very supportive and offer fast response to questions that Islington staff and their clients may have.
I recommend Homefinder UK to other authorities, the scheme is an excellent tool and option to offer potentially homeless clients and has been a very successful story in Islington.
Find out more information on Homefinder UK for social landlords
Find out more about the Revive domestic abuse project
