Giving patients the support they need “This service works with the hospital and the patient to ensure people know their options and find the support they need before they leave hospital.” pam orchard, chief executive of providence row The routes to success The Routes to Roots service, provided by charity Providence Row, was commissioned in 2013. Property Helping the homeless return to their roots BY SUSAN MULLIGAN THE council has been commended for an initiative which helps homeless people leaving hospital to find accommodation in their home borough. The Routes to Roots project received a commendation at the Andy Ludlow Homelessness Awards last week. Provided by homelessness charity Providence Row, the scheme was designed by the council and works with patients who are approaching the end of their hospital stay and supports them to return to their home borough on discharge. As well as reducing the number of patients whose discharge is delayed, it prevents hospital bed-blocking and minimises the number of patients who are discharged to the street and to insecure or inappropriate accommodation. Patrick was treated at the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and was put in touch with the Routes to Roots service when they discovered he was homeless. He was secured temporary housing in Hackney, an area he knows well. Speaking about the Providence Row support worker who helped him, Patrick said: “Paulina came to the hospital to see me every couple of days. She’s been my mentor ever since. She took all my details and she helped me to sort out somewhere to stay when I left the hospital.” Mayor Lutfur Rahman said: “I am proud that Tower Hamlets’ work with the homeless is a beacon for London, and the rest of the country. “This is an important project, and the impact this has on people’s lives is immeasurable. I would like to congratulate everyone involved for their hard work and dedication.” Cllr Rabina Khan, cabinet member for housing and development, said: “This project is truly inspirational – making sure (Left) Patrick, who used the Routes to Roots service, was homeless after he left hospital that the people who end up in Tower Hamlets because of medical reasons are helped and supported to return back to their roots. “I want to extend a big well done to all who have worked on this, because they have made a huge impact on the lives of many vulnerable people.” The Andy Ludlow Homelessness Awards are organised by the London Housing Foundation, London Councils on behalf of the capital’s boroughs, and Shelter. The awards are named after a former director of housing and social services at Haringey Council who died suddenly of a brain haemorrhage, aged 51. He believed in developing close links between housing and social services. The awards are the country’s leading homelessness awards with prize money awarded to organisations that demonstrate innovative and creative solutions for tackling homelessness in the capital. For details visit www.andy ludlowawards.org.uk Keep warm and save your cash THE National House Building Council has provided some advice to help keep heating costs down this winter. There are many simple things you can do to reduce your gas and electric usage but keep your home warm at the same time. Service your heating system – all central heating boilers should be serviced and safety checked at least once a year by a Gas Safe registered engineer. If your boiler is old, consider an upgrade – according to the Energy Saving Trust, a new A-rated condensing boiler can save up to £305 a year on heating bills. Room temperature controls – a thermostat should be set at between 18°C and 21°C, and by installing thermostatic radiator valves you can set different temperatures in different rooms, according to individual preference. Check your radiators – if a radiator is warm at the bottom but cool at the top, it could mean there is air in the system, which may require bleeding. Loft insulation – insulating your loft is a simple, inexpensive and effective way to reduce energy waste and lower your heating bills. Floor and skirting boards – make sure that your house is free of draughts. Cold air can easily filter through floorboards and skirtings so check for gaps and fill them in. Letterboxes – installing a letterbox draught excluder that fits on the inside of the front door is an inexpensive easy DIY job. Windows – energy-efficient glazing keeps homes warmer, allowing less heat to be lost. Use curtains to retain heat – it’s important to try to get sunlight into the home during the day but as dusk falls, remember to close curtains to retain heat and reduce the need for additional heating. For more information and to download a handy checklist, visit www.nhbc.co.uk/home owners/guidanceandadvice COVERING M25 RADIUS your local authority 789 Commercial Road, St Anne Street, Limehouse, London E14 7HG 3/5 YEARS LEASING OPTION • NO VOID PERIOD • NO MANAGEMENT FEE CASH INCENTIVE FOR LANDLORDS* 1, 2, 3, 4 bedroom flats/houses wanted • Monies paid instantly upon signing *T&C Applies. t 020 7538 8887 Lines open 24 hours info@metropolitanandcrown.com www.metropolitanandcrown.com Did you know? We are the official leasing agents and preferred choice for WE GUARANTEE TO LET YOUR PROPERTY ON THE SAME DAY *T&C APPLIES GUARANTEED year! the RENT weeks of 52 20 – 26 OCTOBER 2014 N E W S F R O M TOWER HAMLETS COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY 25
East_End_Life_20Oct2014
To see the actual publication please follow the link above