Bespoke Housing Solutions
Wessmaps Housing Trust is a Hampshire-based charity dedicated to delivering high-quality, bespoke housing solutions for vulnerable individuals in Hampshire. We also provide intensive housing management support services, helping our tenants manage every aspect of securing and maintaining their homes. Our goal is to empower individuals to live independently while receiving the support they need to thrive in their communities.
At the heart of our approach is the principle of choice: we believe that every tenant deserves to have a say in their housing decisions. By enabling tenants to select their homes and providing tailored support, we help them build stable, independent lives.
Why We’re Different: Personal Support vs. Housing Management
Historically, many vulnerable people have been placed in institutional settings like residential care homes, hospitals, or remained in family homes where adequate support options were unavailable. Too often, decisions about housing were made on their behalf.
Following the UK government’s Valuing People Now report (2009)—which championed the rights of individuals with learning disabilities to live with dignity and independence—many organisations launched supported living programs. While beneficial, these programs sometimes blurred the line between personal care support and intensive housing management support, causing uncertainty for tenants.
Wessmaps Housing Trust stands out by offering intensive housing management as a separate service through a team of dedicated housing officers. This ensures that a tenant’s home remains secure, even if their personal care arrangements change. By safeguarding tenancy stability, we align with the Care Act 2014 guidelines, emphasising a person-centered, comprehensive approach to supported living.
We work collaboratively with tenants, their families, and care providers to develop customised housing solutions that prioritise tenant independence, security, and community integration.
A Tailored Approach to Housing
At Wessmaps Housing Trust, we work closely with vulnerable individuals, their families (where appropriate), and their personal care and support teams to source and secure long-term housing that meets their specific needs and preferences. By placing tenants at the centre of the decision-making process, we ensure they are empowered to choose a home that truly reflects their aspirations and requirements.
Unlike organisations with a fixed housing stock, Wessmaps Housing Trust maintains a flexible property portfolio, allowing us to adapt to the unique needs of each tenant. This means we are never pressured to fill unsuitable properties. Instead, we focus on sourcing secure, high-quality, and sustainable long-term accommodation tailored to our tenants’ circumstances.
This adaptable approach not only avoids wasting resources on properties that no longer meet tenants’ needs but also enables us to dedicate more time and effort to identifying homes that align perfectly with their preferences. Combined with our intensive housing management services, we offer a fully bespoke, person-centred solution that empowers tenants to live independently and thrive in their communities.
What We Do
Property Search
Our experienced team carries out a comprehensive property search across the housing market to identify accommodation that best meets the tenant’s specific needs and preferences. Typically, we secure up to three potential properties (depending on market availability and individual requirements). We then work closely with the tenant to finalise their choice and secure their new home.
Check In
On the first day of the tenancy, our housing team meets with the tenant and their personal care, support, and supervision team at their new home. During this visit, we hand over the keys and explain the tenancy agreement, which is provided in an accessible format to ensure all tenants fully understand their rights and responsibilities. We collaborate with tenants, their relatives, and support teams to empower them to meet their obligations under the tenancy agreement, fostering independence and confidence in managing their new home.
Facilitation
For many tenants, applying for housing benefit is an essential step. As part of Wessmaps Housing Trust’s intensive housing management support services, we assist tenants in completing their initial application and ensure it is submitted correctly. In most cases, Wessmaps Housing Trust is appointed by the tenant as the main point of contact for the local housing authority, enabling us to handle any subsequent housing benefit queries on their behalf efficiently.
24/7 Property Services Hotline
We understand that unexpected issues such as accidental damage, adaptations, or emergency repairs can be stressful for tenants, their families, and care teams. To alleviate this, Wessmaps Housing Trust provides a 24-hour property services hotline, ensuring tenants or their support teams can report concerns or maintenance issues at any time. Our team liaises with contractors, tenants, and support staff to address repairs promptly, minimising disruption and ensuring the property remains safe and suitable for the tenant’s needs.
Tenancy Clinics
To help tenants maintain their tenancies, we offer regular tenancy clinics conducted by our team of specialist housing officers. These appointments provide an opportunity for tenants, alongside their care and support teams, to discuss any concerns related to their tenancy or property. Our housing officers also use these clinics to review the tenant’s progress and well-being, ensuring future planning remains person-centred.
We actively encourage tenants to participate in community activities and engage with local groups, empowering them to build connections and thrive in their community.
Support
When a tenant decides to move on to a new chapter in their life, our housing officers remain fully committed to providing support throughout the transition. We assist tenants in ending their tenancy agreement with us and offer guidance in finding alternative accommodation. Each tenant’s circumstances are unique, and we ensure that the process is tailored to their specific needs, supporting them in every way possible to achieve a smooth and successful move.
