Homelessness prevention helpline calls increase as campaign takes to the streets

A campaign to raise awareness of a Housing helpline, run by Dorset Council in collaboration with charities Citizens Advice and Shelter, is showing early signs of success, as data shows an increase of 18 per cent for the number of calls received in July and August compared to the same period last year.

The Housing Advice line was launched this summer at Wareham Depot, south Dorset, as organisational representatives gathered to witness the last few banners being installed on to road sweepers and bin lorries. The vehicles are carrying the message that free help is available to anyone who is struggling with housing cost worries or concerns.

Specific waste collection vehicles have been chosen based on the geographic area they cover, so we can reach residents in hotspot areas and prevent homelessness or people moving into temporary accommodation where possible.  

The campaign launch also included publishing organic social media content, promoting it to the 5,000+ council workforce and using traditional means of communication, including posters and postcards to make people aware help is out there.

The campaign aims to encourage private and social housing tenants, mortgage holders, landlords and lettings agents to contact the trio of organisations who have the expertise to support with a wide range of housing issues.

Dorset Council received the highest number of calls it’s had for housing cost help in July, with the team speaking to 785 residents. This compares to 599 for the same period in 2023. Last month (August), the helpline received the third highest number of calls – 685 – which compares to 600 for the same period last year.

The awareness campaign is not translating into an increased number of assessments and thereby not increasing caseloads, as people are seeking advice-only, which are low level enquiries at present. 

Cabinet Member for Housing and Health, Councillor Gill Taylor says:

“I think a lot of residents in Dorset don’t know that our Housing Service can help them, which is why we’ve put this information on the sides of bin lorries: to reach as many people as we can. 

“This is the first time the Housing service has used this type of vehicle to reach our primary audience and early indications are that this way of reaching our communities with this message appears to be working. What’s important is we are helping to keep people in their homes and avoid becoming homeless.

“Prevention is the key to avoiding homelessness and we hope that by working in collaboration with Shelter and Citizens Advice, we can avoid residents moving out of their home wherever possible.

Cllr Taylor continued:

“High energy bills, sharp interest rate increases and stagnant wages have left some people facing homelessness or in rent or mortgage arrears for the first time in their lives. 

“These people may not have traditionally been in this position. For example, working people may not have previously needed financial advice or support to keep a roof over their head and may not know where to turn for help, or even that free, confidential and non-judgemental help is out there.

“Our records show that residents are contacting the council when they are at a point of crisis and are facing eviction, so we want anyone who has concerns about their housing costs to call us on 01305 221000 or to visit the Dorset Council website or search for ‘housing advice helpline Dorset.’”

The next phase of the campaign will include more out of home advertising in hotspot areas and using partners and the Voluntary and Community Sector to help disseminate digital and traditional media.

We will also be utilising our connections with lettings agents so they can contact their clients and we’ll be speaking directly to landlords to offer them support.

How big is the issue of homelessness in Dorset?

Dorset Council has a relatively low number of recorded rough sleepers compared to similar local authorities in the south-west, such as Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole. The council works with partners such as Julian House, the Bus Project and the Lantern to support rough sleepers.

The local authority has introduced measures such as increasing staff resources, reducing the backlog of the Housing Register, putting a big focus on prevention work and working closely with our partner agencies.

What can the Housing Advice line offer?

The Housing service can offer guidance, support, signposting and even financial help for people who may have fallen behind on their rent or mortgage, just about to get evicted or they have concerns they cannot make future repayments – even if through no fault of their own.

Housing specialists will provide non-judgemental, free and confidential support, no matter how big or small people's concerns are.

More information for residents is available here: Are you struggling with housing costs or worried about losing your home? - Dorset Council