A new guide to make moving into temporary accommodation easier has been launched by the Royal Borough of Greenwich in collaboration with local community interest company, Creating Ground.
‘Your Guide to Temporary Accommodation’ is designed to support families who are moving into temporary accommodation. It was co-produced by the council and Creating Ground CIC - a social enterprise led by women from migrant backgrounds working together to use collaborative arts and creativity for better wellbeing and social change, including improving the experience of those in temporary accommodation.
Councillor Pat Slattery, Cabinet Member for Housing Management, Neighbourhoods and Homelessness, said: “Living in temporary accommodation can be challenging. This co-produced guide draws on the experience of those who have gone through it and offers practical support for new residents. It reflects our commitment to listening to our communities and ensuring their voices are heard. I’m grateful to Creating Ground for working with us to create such a valuable resource.”
Creating Ground hosted in-person reading sessions with women from their Stronger Together Leaders group who shared valuable insights on some of the challenges they faced while they were living in temporary accommodation. Some of that feedback included highlighting the importance of having access to information on support for children with SEND and where to access free English classes for speakers of other languages – both of which were included in the guide.
Laura Marziale, Director, Creating Ground CIC, said: “Co-producing this guide with the Royal Borough of Greenwich meant a lot to us as a group. Drawing on the lived experiences of many of our Stronger Together Leaders, we hope that we have helped shape something clear, simple, and human-centred. For many, this journey can be confusing and isolating - this guide helps ensure that families feel informed, supported, and seen. It is also a reminder of the real change that is possible to achieve when the council and communities work together.”
The guide also offers individuals and families practical advice including information on what to do in the first few days of moving into temporary accommodation, their rights and responsibilities, how to find storage facilities and get help with everyday costs, and more.
The guide will be provided to everyone who moves into temporary accommodation and is available to download at www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/temporary-accommodation-guide.