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We need to fight the North’s corner for housing funding and allocation

Roof tops in Headingley, Leeds.

A new charter calls for action to prevent the North of England losing out on housing funding to London and the South East. Carol Matthews, Riverside chief executive and chair for Homes for the North, explains more… We can all agree this country needs more homes. The Government has set a national housing target of ‘at least

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LGBT History Month

By Jenny Crocker, Care and Support Service Manager February is LGBT History Month – this year’s theme is peace, reconciliation and activism to mark the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in New York. There have been so many people over the decades who have made an impact on the LGBT community and LGBT rights,

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Unacceptable numbers of people sleeping rough in new figures

We are disappointed not to see a greater decrease in the number of rough sleepers in England as we are working so hard to tackle and prevent homelessness across the country. Although it is encouraging that the rate of increase has clearly slowed year on year. Everyone is moved to see people who sleep rough

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Research shows that many rough sleepers have experienced some sort of trauma in their lives

Rough Sleeper Service

A staggering 4,751 people were counted or estimated to be sleeping rough by local authorities in England on any one night in autumn 2017. Riverside’s Executive Director for Care and Support, John Glenton, reflects on this depressing statistic and the perceptions versus reality of sleeping rough.   Recently I have heard a number of people

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We can’t just sit back and wait following Social Housing Green Paper consultation

Roof tops in Headingley, Leeds.

Now it’s time to get on with our real response to the Social Housing Green Paper, says Riverside’s Chief Executive, Carol Matthews. Many of us have been busy over the past few months thinking how best to respond to the Social Housing Green Paper consultation. There’s been lots of debate over league tables, consumer ratings and whether and how

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Remembrance Sunday: Where’s Home?

Simon Allcock, Riverside’s Head of Projects

To commemorate Remembrance Sunday (November 11), Simon Allcock, Riverside’s Head of Projects, reflects on the challenges faced by ex-service personnel when they leave the Armed Forces, and asks where’s home for them? Talk to anyone about joining the armed services and it won’t be long before the subject of ‘home’ comes up. Joining the services

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It pays off for Government to listen to the sector

As social care needs increase, the need to keep dialogue open between the sector and the government is important, writes Carol Matthews. Starts At Home Day (NHF’s annual spotlight on how supported housing transforms lives) sets the scene for my reflections on the sector’s achievement in securing a sustainable future for our customers. A recent

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Anti-Bullying Week- be brave, be heard and be kind

By John Glenton, Riverside’s chair of Spectrum.     This week is Anti-Bullying Week in England and the theme is making a noise about bullying. We all need to stand up and speak out against bullying, but if you are a victim it’s difficult to find the strength and confidence to challenge it. Bullying in

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Why we are proud to be part of Pride

John Glenton, director of operations in Care and Support and chair of Spectrum Pride marches across our cities have become a familiar sight during the summer months, with families enjoying celebrations across the length and breadth of the country.  This year, our staff and tenants are flying the flag for LGBT equality in Manchester, Liverpool,

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Why making ‘Friends’ matters

By Roisin Rowley-Smith Communications officer While some were out spending on all things hearts and flowers this Valentine’s day, I was busy sharing the love at work. And no, I don’t have an office romance to report, but I am passionate about making Riverside an LGBT-friendly environment, so that everyone can be themselves at work.

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