The organisations below are involved can provide support and guidance on a range of issues.

If you’re already in rent arrears, start by emailing us at earlyprevention@bcpcouncil.gov.uk. We can put you in contact with the right people to solve your problem. If you need advice but are not yet in arrears, please see how other organisations involved can help.

Advice on paying your rent

BCP Council

We have teams in place to support you with all aspects of your tenancy, from the rent deposit loan scheme to our early prevention team.

DWP Housing Partnership

DWP Housing Partnership has experts to help you with budgets, payment plans and benefit claims if you rent through them.

Legal Advice

Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice provides information, education and advice services to help you solve a range of problems. This includes:

• housing
• debt
• benefits
• employment
• family and relationships
• legal
• immigration
• consumer issues.

Their services are delivered from their main offices and from outreaches across the area to improve access for all.

Shelter

Shelter provides advice, support and legal services, helping millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness.

They help through face-to-face sessions at their office near the Triangle in Bournemouth town centre, as well as online chat facilities and a helpline for emergencies.

You can contact Shelter by email at bournemouth@shelter.org.uk.

Employment support

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

The DWP is an official government department, responsible for running all local jobcentres. They can help with any employment issues you might be facing.

Universal Credit is for people who are on a low income or out of work and is usually paid as a single monthly payment to a whole household. The DWP can help you understand Universal Credit.

For further support, visit the jobcentre in Bournemouth or Poole.

Training and guidance

Bournemouth Churches Housing Association (BCHA)

BCHA offer a range of housing as well as support with health, learning and work.

Faithworks Wessex

Faithworks Wessex are a local independent Christian charity, helping people find practical solutions around food, finances, home and people.

They work with foodbanks to help provide access to food and emergency accommodation, as well as offering new skills like cooking and budgeting.

YMCA

The YMCA offers a wide range of housing for adults aged 18 to 65, support, work, family services, training and education schemes.

Their community Money Advice Hub can help you with debt and budgeting. You can access some of their accommodation through our nomination or by applying directly to join their waiting list.

Email admissions@ymcabournemouth.org.uk for further details about YMCA housing.

How we’ve helped

When it comes to your tenancy, no problem is too big or too small. Hear from other people we’ve helped to stay in their homes.

Ellee Robb, tenancy support worker

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How Vicky supports John

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Steve Cannings, housing options adviser

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Urgent help

If you’re already homeless, call 01202 123 147 and someone will help you.

If you’re struggling to cope, call the Samaritans free on 116 123 any time of day or night.