NextDoor

In response to the government’s housing benefit cuts Z2K has launched NextDoor, a new project that will be offering a range of services to affected tenants as well as challenging the cuts by campaigning and lobbying housing policy makers. As we expect the demand for such services to be high, NextDoor also aims to support other agencies working with affected households.

HelpLine and Specialist Casework Service for Westminster residents

NextDoor is operating a helpline and casework service designed to ensure that tenants are aware of their rights and the options available to them.

The helpline service provides information and advice on the caps and the options available to affected households. Please call 08088 02 05 08, open from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday .  It is free to call our helpline, even from mobiles.

The casework service will provide practical assistance to Westminster tenants, including:

• completing discretionary housing payment applications,
• negotiating with landlords
• attending the Housing Options Services
• supporting tenants to find alternative accommodation.

At present, these services are only available to Westminster residents.

Z2K Deposit Guarantee Scheme

NextDoor will be operating a Deposit Guarantee Scheme for tenants in Westminster who are finding it difficult to move without assistance.  As deposits in London are so high, we can only assist a small number of tenants to move and seeking additional funding will be a priority for the project.

Training

NextDoor is currently offering free training sessions and workshops for frontline staff and volunteers working with affected tenants. These sessions provide an overview of the cuts, their likely impact and the options for tenants. We are flexible about the content, structure, length, location and date of the sessions as we understand the diversity of client groups and organisations.

As NextDoor can only assist a fraction of the tens of thousands likely to be affected, we will continue to work with housing policy stakeholders to effect change and publicise the social costs.

Please contact us for more information

Please contact Romin Sutherland, NextDoor Project Manager who will be happy to help with queries on the training, campaigning and Z2K Deposit Scheme  by emailing him at rominsutherland@z2k.org

Please call our freephone helpline 08088 02 05 08 for help and advice on the housing benefit caps or email nextdoor@z2k.org