Safer, brighter homes as SNG transforms Christchurch homeless scheme

Residents living in temporary accommodation in Christchurch now have a brighter and more pleasant place to live following our refurbishment project.  

Ashtree Court in Monkswell Green underwent 12 months of intensive building work which has resulted in refurbished flats, new bathrooms, private kitchens and spruced up shared facilities and communal areas. We own and manage the scheme with all nominations made through Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council with the intention of reducing homelessness and the need for bed and breakfast accommodation.

The improvements are part of a wider collaboration between BCP Council and SNG which is helping to improve the experience of those in living temporary accommodation. Together they’ve provided residents with joint support to move into permanent homes freeing up space for new householders facing homelessness. The results have seen the time it takes to secure a permanent home cut in half with 16 families finding new homes after 12 months (the previous average was two or more years).

To mark the improvements at Ashtree Court along with the success of the partnership, a special event was held on Tuesday 2 September with representatives from SNG and BCP Council given a tour of the building.

Rachel Strange, SNG’s Head of Supported Housing, commented: “It’s great to see these improvements which will make such a difference to the people and families who live at Ashtree Court. Through successful partnership working we’re not only ensuring that this temporary accommodation offers good living conditions for residents, but that their stay is here is as brief as possible while we look to secure a good permanent home for them.”

Ben Tomlin, Head of Strategic Housing and Partnerships at BCP Council, said: The transformation of Ashtree Court is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through strong partnership working. These improvements to temporary accommodation are making a real difference to residents’ lives and helping us move more families into permanent homes, faster.”