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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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New Year, New Start, New You

By Nick Stephenson, project manager for employment and training. As we embark on a new year, many of us face far greater challenges than keeping to the resolutions made during the festivities. The Christmas hangover can result in real financial hardship for some. Choosing to forget about the rent for a few months to recoup

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Rent cut exemption only a halfway house for supported housing

The one-year rent cut exemption for supported housing only partly solves the problem, says Carol Matthews The government’s announcement at the end of last month of a year-long concession on rent reductions for sheltered, extra care and supported housing is a welcome step in the right direction. For Riverside this means greater security for over

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