Residents’ Friends – your independent helping hand

27 April 2010

Independent help is at hand for people affected by RENEW projects across North Staffordshire.

A Residents’ Friends service is available to guide residents faced with the prospect of having to move home because of regeneration work.

While part of RENEW North Staffordshire team, the Residents’ Friends are employed by the Citizens’ Advice Bureau, giving them an independent outlook on the process.

“We recognise that under normal circumstances moving home is one of the most stressful events in people’s lives,” said Residents’ Friend Geoff Davies.

“This must be doubly traumatic for people who are affected by a clearance area and are having their homes knocked down. 

“We recognise this and work with people to ease the burden.”

The four Residents’ Friends work across all Renewal areas in Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme.

“We each take specific areas as it is important to have local knowledge about what is going on at ground level,” said Geoff.

“A lot of our work is with people affected by clearance. We advice about the procedures, their rights to compensation and rehousing options.

“Sometimes it can just come down to being supportive. There are people who have never moved home and we will go along with them to see a solicitor.

“We also act to put people in touch with other services. For example, if you were a home owner and are moving to a rented house your benefit entitlements may change. We can ensure people get the right advice.”

Residents’ Friends attend meetings and send leaflets to people in clearance areas to let people know they are available to help. They will sit down with individuals or groups of residents to explain the Masterplanning and regeneration process.

They can be contacted by telephone on 01782 480608.

Click here to see more information on Residents’ Friends on the RENEW North Staffordshire website.