Platform Housing Group has announced the appointment of its first Wellbeing manager.
The Midlands-based social landlord has appointed Emma Lloyd to head its Wellbeing Fund, which recently gained £1.4m in extra funding to help support people within its communities.
Lloyd – who has worked in various roles within the group since 2017 – says she has witnessed the direct impact of financial hardship on customers’ lives, having worked closely with the likes of housing officers and income officers.
Lloyd said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for me both personally and professionally.
“Being involved in a project that is going to have such a positive impact on so many lives and communities is very humbling.
“The fund is of particular importance at the moment, after the unprecedented year we have all experienced.
“I look forward to helping to resolve many of the issues that have been thrust upon so many due to the pandemic.”
Lloyd will be responsible for the group’s newly established wellbeing fund for 2021/22, the success of which will be demonstrated by supporting customers and communities experiencing disadvantage and hardship – as well as by improving their wellbeing by developing new opportunities.
Michael Bruce, director of Platform Hub and Income Management, said: “We are delighted to appoint Emma to head up our Wellbeing Fund.
“Emma has a wealth of hands-on experience with our customers as well as all the enthusiasm and empathy that the role requires.
“The fund itself is flexible and is designed to recognise that customers have many needs that go beyond the homes we provide, focussing on financial and emotional support that makes a tangible difference to local lives.”
The aim of the fund – which was originally launched in 2020 – is to provide fast and flexible support to customers during challenging times.
The fund can help cover the cost of food and essential items such as school uniforms, energy, and utility costs; as well as bridge the gap between a benefit application and the first payment.
The fund also offers support packages for employment and training, household furniture, digital inclusion, and health and wellbeing.
Since its launch in 2020, the fund has provided more than £173,000 of immediate and practical help in the form of payments to cover fuel and water costs, benefits delays, and other essentials.
Platform Housing Group owns and manages 46,000 homes across the Midlands, with a portfolio that includes social and affordable rent and shared ownership houses.
The group has G1 governance and V1 financial viability ratings from the Regulator of Social Housing and an A+ rating from Standard and Poor’s and Fitch.
Image: Emma Lloyd, Wellbeing manager, Platform Housing Group
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