May 2018

Newry and Downpatrick are the next areas in Northern Ireland to have Universal Credit introduced on the 16 May 2018.

This new benefit will replace Housing Benefit, Working Tax Credits, Child Tax Credit, Income Support, Income based Job Seekers Allowance and income related Employment and Support Allowance.  Anyone of working age who gets these benefits will be affected.

We are delighted that our Head of Operations Jim O’Callaghan was Highly Commended in the “Leading for Impact” category of the CO3 leadership awards.  The award seeks to recognise those who clearly demonstrate strong leadership in adopting impact practice into their organisation. 

Jim leads all our quality work and is responsible for monitoring service and client data for Housing Rights. 

One of our prison housing advisers recently helped a vulnerable client secure suitable accommodation on her release from prison.

Jenny was in prison following an arson offence on her previous home. Before this she had lived a relatively settled life.  She did have one other previous conviction prior to the arson offence but following the death of her husband her mental health had deteriorated, culminating in her trying to set fire to her home.