Welfare calls made to 100k

SCOTLAND’S largest social landlord has made almost 100,000 welfare calls to tenants during the coronavirus crisis – making sure vital help reaches some of the country’s most vulnerable people.

Housing officers and community engagement officers at Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) have carried out regular phone checks with tenants.

They have been working from home during the pandemic, but have been available for customers and their families.

So far, GHA’s housing officers and community engagement officers have made 96,000 welfare calls, supporting customers with new Universal Credit claims and seeing what can be done to support them through the crisis.

They have also been checking in with people who live on their own, those over the age of 69 and people who are shielding.

People who are struggling have been offered services, such as EatWell food parcels, fuel advice and welfare benefits advice.

One of the people who has benefited is 54-year-old Alexander Foy, from Royston.

His housing officer, Ryan Docherty, has been in touch with him several times a week to see what he can do to help.

So far, GHA has arranged food parcels through its EatWell service, new bedding and cutlery – and even a hoover.

Alexander has mental health problems and is overcoming addiction, and has also received support from GHA’s sister organisation Wheatley Care.

He said: “Ryan gets in touch every week to see how I am and if I need anything.

“He’s made sure I have food every day. I don’t have anyone else for support. I’m not in touch with my family and lost my partner a few years ago, so I would be on my own without Ryan. I’ve not been in contact with anyone else.

“I had alcohol and drug addictions and I had a very volatile lifestyle.

“I’m not used to having a home of my own but I’m getting comfortable living a normal life.”

GHA managing director Jehan Weerasinghe said: “We are here to help.

“Customers tell us of the difference these calls have made on an almost daily basis.

“There are so many ways we can help and these calls are one really important way we can make sure that people who need help get it quickly.”

He’s made sure I have food every day. I don’t have anyone else for support