The Word On The Street

Drum Housing Association has taken to the streets to discover if families living in their temporary housing feel that the correct support is in place for them and what more Drum needs to do.

By its very nature, it has always been difficult to get feedback from families who are in temporary accommodation. Drum, part of Radian, felt that the best way to get honest and genuine reaction was to get out on the road and visit each of their temporary housing locations to talk to residents face-to-face and listen to their concerns.

One of the many poignant stories that highlighted the need for Drum’s continued support came from Carly Gifford, a single mother for whom Drum has provided a home. “I was thrown out of home with a baby and had to spend time on a friend’s sofa, or on the streets, until I was offered a room in temporary housing. I moved in and started receiving support. I was then able to go to college, and am now qualified in child care and studying beauty therapy. I have now also been offered my very own home. Radian’s support gave me light at the end of a tunnel and has changed my life.”

The road show took five weeks and involved eight staff, as well as board members and residents helping out at each location. Drum also held a prize draw to encourage local homeless families to come along and ask any questions or voice their opinions. The residents’ feedback confirmed that Drum were offering a valued service, with one resident from Bordon declaring, ‘’My support worker was very helpful and gave me my self respect back.”

Everyone that was involved found the process extremely rewarding and valuable. "I was incredibly impressed by the standard of accommodation that Drum provides for individuals and small families with urgent housing needs. Drum’s support workers are dedicated and caring individuals whose efforts significantly improve the lives of their clients.” Ray Morton, independent board member.

“From the comments we received on the road show, we have put actions in place to raise awareness of the support that can be provided and the benefits it can bring. We want to ensure the support we provide is just what our residents’ need, at the time they need it!” Jane Spencer, Senior Support Worker, Drum Housing.