Positive steps to tenancy success
We're passionate about providing homes and helping customers to successfully manage their tenancy, so they can live full and independent lives. Our Steps to Tenancy Success programme provides one-on-one and group practical support from social enterprise Your Own Place 
(YOP) with money and tenancy management for new SNG customers and people who we're not able to offer a tenancy to. The programme provides extra support so participants can gain confidence with keeping on top of their finances and tenancy.
After completing the programme, we hope that the next time that individual applies for a home, we can turn that ‘no’ into a ‘yes’ - and that SNG customers who may have struggled to maintain their tenancy, feel confident to successfully manage their home.
How the programme works
Your Own Place , which has an engaging, inclusive, values-led approach, then works with customers on a one-on-one basis or in small groups for a minimum of 12 weeks, and personalise the Steps to Tenancy Success programme according to individual’s needs. Topics covered include money, housing, tenancy sustainment and cost of living, with practical tools and guidance so participants can manage unexpected obstacles, feel more in control and remain housed.
Alongside Your Own Place’s support, our digital inclusion and employment and skills services help Steps to Tenancy Success participants access support to improve their digital skills and secure a job or training.
Increasing confidence and understanding
"When I first started, debts were a worry. I was struggling to communicate with the people I owe debts to. I've reached out and these debts are sorted now and I have payment plans in place. Meeting with Your Own Place every week on Zoom helped increase my confidence to call the people I owe."- Charlene, SNG customer
Below are some figures showing more of the positive impact the Steps to Tenancy Success programme has had on customers like Charlene who completed it.
- 60% of people reported feeling more confident about keeping their home.
- 78% of people reported an increased knowledge of how to manage their bills.
- 75% of people reported an increased understanding of their housing options.
- 80% of people reported feel more confident to find solutions to problems.
Stuart’s story
When we met Stuart in November 2024, he and his dog Missy, were waiting to move into their new home after he had to leave his family home after his father passed away. Stuart was navigating significant stress and uncertainty about his housing situation. He committed to regular Zoom sessions with Your Own Place within a week of moving. At that time, he was setting up his bills and settling in.
Stuart said, “When I began Steps to Tenancy Success, I was working out what I had to pay for all my bills. It’s my first property on my own, it was all quite daunting for me. Doing Steps to Tenancy Success, gave me a chance to talk things out."
Stuart received an SNG support package including a laptop, supermarket vouchers and energy vouchers. He shared “getting vouchers and a laptop made life a bit easier. I could save a little money, having the vouchers made things easier with all the cost of moving.”
By January 2025, Stuart had attended regular 1-2-1 Zoom coaching sessions covering a variety of money and housing topics. These sessions provided a personalised space for Stuart to discuss his priorities and develop strategies for successfully managing his money in his new home. Sessions were tailored to address the challenges he faced, such as eating affordably without a fridge.
Stuart reported to YOP that he:
- Feels more confident about keeping his home and managing it independently
- has increased knowledge of how to manage his bills and money
When Stuart’s second job ended unexpectedly, he quickly took action, reaching out to our Employment and Skills Team for support in finding another job. His desire for a fresh start and the independence of having his own home motivated him to take the necessary steps to achieve his goals. He has had regular support from an Employment and Skills Coach to help him secure an additional job.
During Steps to Tenancy Success, Stuart agreed a repayment plan with a debt collection agency, demonstrating his commitment to improving his circumstances. Stuart's resilience to sustain his tenancy with us has increased throughout the course of the workshops. He expressed greater clarity around where to go for support, and is more confident asking for help. In the future Stuart plans to buy further items to make his home more comfortable for him and Missy.