Sustain UK Joins Forces with DWP for Birmingham’s ‘Moving On’ Programme
Sustain UK will play a leading role in Moving On, a pioneering new project that helps people transition from supported accommodation to housing and financial Independence.
Led by the Birmingham and Solihull District DWP (Department for Work and Pensions), we’ve been selected for our strong reputation in delivering safe, high-quality accommodation.
By providing participants with stable and secure housing, we are giving individuals the right foundations, allowing them to thrive in their journey toward self-sufficiency.
Natalie Cartmell, MBE, District Partnership Manager – Housing and Homeless Lead for Birmingham & Solihull, praised Sustain UK’s support for the scheme. She said:
“The Moving On project was designed to provide opportunities to residents enabling them to move on from supported accommodation. The DWP funded course, facilitated by The Salvation Army, offers money management, tenancy skills and employability – and aims to show potential landlords that with the right education, residents can succeed.
“It is amazing to have Sustain UK onboard, who can offer affordable accommodation to participants who complete the course. This is evidence that supported accommodation providers want to be part of the solution, enabling resident’s opportunities to thrive and move forward to independence.”
Though still in its pilot phase, three of our tenants have been selected to participate in the programme, which includes classroom-based training provided by the Salvation Army, along with broader emotional support.
Participants will learn new skills – all tailored towards maintaining a successful tenancy, such as money management as well as help finding work. Strategies that ensure lasting independence.
Ian McGregor, Chief Executive at Sustain UK, said: “Specialist supported housing plays a vital role in reducing homelessness, but we recognise that the longer people live in supported housing, the harder it can become for them to leave and progress their lives.
“We’re also taking action to reduce supported housing in some areas of Birmingham, and I’m hopeful that initiatives like this will help achieve that goal over time.
“Sustain UK has reduced its supported housing and elected to suspend offering properties in identified exempt housing density hotspots.”
Luke Joyce, Moving On Lead at Sustain UK, said: “Moving On will hopefully demonstrate to those residents who are ready, how they can evolve their lives away from supported housing so they can achieve greater autonomy and ultimately, stability and happiness.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on people’s lives.”
With nearly 1,800 individuals in supported accommodation and over 400 properties under management, we continue to champion projects that deliver meaningful outcomes for our residents across Birmingham and the West Midlands.