A FAMILY who was struggling to settle in Halton has become the first family in the borough to successfully complete a Family Intervention Tenancy.

The mother fled domestic abuse before becoming a customer of Halton Housing Trust.

She struggled to settle and was at the centre of a number of anti-social behaviour incidents which caused concern and disruption to the wider community.

The Trust was forced to serve notice on the family for breach of tenancy conditions due to anti-social behaviour but after investigating the case Alison Little, Anti-Social Behaviour Officer for the Trust recognised the woman required support and would be an ideal candidate for a Family Intervention Tenancy. 

The Trust looked to re-locate the family which was subject to the customer entering into an agreement that would see her work with the Trust and Family Intervention Project to turn her life around.  The contract afforded her the opportunity to have a fresh start in an area where the family’s difficulties were not known.

“The agreement was the first of its kind in the borough and its success demonstrates the hard work by the two partner agencies as well as the woman’s commitment were all worth it,” said Alison.

Judith Houghton from the Family Intervention Project said, “We have valued the support from the Trust and believe this is a fantastic example of good partnership working within Halton.  The family is now able to identify their achievements and take this forward in maintaining positive lifestyles and a secure tenancy.  They have commented that they are thankful to Halton Housing Trust and the Family Intervention Project in giving them the chance and opportunity to make the changes needed to improve their lives and gain acceptance within the community.”

The support provided by the FIP included one to one positive parenting, debt management advice, introducing the family to activities in the community, access to adult learning and general tenancy support.

The woman has been committed to the programme for the past 18 months and has turned her life around.

She is now completely settled, in excellent health and has set a date for her wedding with her new partner.