400 Families Saved by Melville Housing.

Four hundred struggling households in the Lothians, Edinburgh, and Lanarkshire have received a much-needed financial boost of £660,000, all thanks to the invaluable support provided by Melville Housing Association. Over the past year, this dedicated team has worked tirelessly to help tenants access grants and benefits, resulting in an impressive total of £660,560 being claimed, translating to an average of £1,647 per household.

One grateful tenant shared, “I’ve faced tough times recently due to the rising cost of living, and Melville Housing was one of the few who came to my aid. No other charity or organisation extended a helping hand, so I am truly grateful for their support during my time of need.”

The Melville team, comprising six housing officers, three housing assistants, and two welfare benefits advisers, has been instrumental in assisting tenants in accessing their entitled benefits and securing funds from various sources like LACER (Local Authority Covid Economic Recovery), HACT (Housing Association Charitable Trust), and Fuel Bank funds. Additionally, tenants received support from organisations such as Aberlour Children’s Charity and Edinburgh and Lothian Trust Fund.

Jane Burnett, Melville’s head of housing, praised the team’s exceptional efforts, stating, “The entire team has put in tremendous effort to support our tenants over the past year, and these results truly reflect their hard work. Nearly one in five households have benefited from our assistance, which has helped alleviate the financial pressures brought on by the cost of living increases in recent years.”

She further added, “The support provided by Melville goes beyond just meeting basic needs like food and heating. We have witnessed first-hand the positive impact on mental health and even instances where our assistance has been life-saving. We are grateful for the ongoing support from our partners and fund providers, and we remain committed to helping our tenants wherever possible.”

In addition to financial aid, Melville has also extended support by providing essential kitchen items like fridges, air fryers, and slow cookers, collectively valued at £4,500. An excellent example of sustainable working and partnership was demonstrated when Melville rescued eight fridges from an office refurbishment in Glasgow, preventing them from ending up in a landfill. These fridges were then distributed to tenants, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the staff and the Midlothian Unpaid Work (Community Payback) team.

For Melville tenants seeking assistance, advice, or support, they can visit the official website at www.melville.org.uk or contact the housing section at 0131 654 2733. Additional help is also available from independent organisations like Citizen’s Advice.