Warwickshire Central Accommodation Referral Service

(CARS) Warwickshie Probation Central Accommodation Referral Service

Warwickshire Probation Area operates a Central Accommodation Referral Service (CARS). The service is run by the Accommodation Officer who deals with all accommodation queries and problems. The Accommodation Officer is the point of contact for supervising officers as well as for accommodation providers. This means that the needs of those who are referred to the service can be matched with the projects who may be able to provide a suitable placement.

Who can be referred to CARS

Anyone who is under Probation supervision can be referred to CARS. There is a short referral form that covers basic information about you and your accommodation and support needs. This is sent to the Accommodation Officer with your pre-sentence report, previous convictions and risk assessment; if you do not want this information to be shared then CARS will not be able to help you. Your Probation Officer will be able to complete the form for you so if you are interested in the service you need to tell them.

How can CARS help

CARS will refer you to suitable supported accommodation providers in the area. The accommodation is usually hostel style although there are some shared and visited properties. The staff will visit properties whenever it is appropriate.

How does it work

When a referral is received by a supported accommodation project the staff will read the information and if they think you might be suitable for a placement they will invite you for an interview. This will give you a chance to get to know each other. After your interview a decision will be made as to whether you will be offered a room.

If you are offered a room, the project staff will draw up a support plan especially for you and your needs. If you do not work with the staff to achieve the goals that you have been set for you in your support plan, you risk being evicted.

It is important that the Accommodation Officer and/or the staff at the supported accommodation projects can contact you, especially if an interview needs to be arranged. If you do not have a telephone we may have to rely on your Probation Officer to pass messages on to you. If you miss appointments with your Probation Officer you may miss being invited for an interview.

How long will it take

There is no answer to this question. Each stage of the referral process is carried out as quickly as possible, but even if you are accepted for accommodation you may have to wait for a vacancy.

What can I do

CARS may not be able to find you somewhere to stay in the area that you want to live in. If it is important to you to live in a particular area you will need to do some work yourself. You can apply to the local council for social housing or you may want to consider private renting. You will find information about properties to let in your local newspaper.

I already have somewhere to live but I am being threatened with eviction/homelessness. What can I do

CARS is also an advice service. If you are experiencing problems with somewhere to live tell your Probation Officer and they will contact the service for assistance and advice.

Warwickshire Supporting People Team

Supporting people funded services are there to help you to become independent or the enable you to keep living independantly.  Staff providing support will not do things 'for you' but will help you to develop the skills and confidence to do things yourself.

www.warwickshire.gov.uk/supportingpeople 

Local Authorities

Application forms for general needs housing are available from your local authority or from CARS (ask your Probation Officer). If you are homeless or threatened with homelessness within 28 days tell your Probation Officer and a homelessness application will be arranged.

North Warwickshire Borough Council

Old Bank House, 1 South Street, Atherstone

· Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council

The Council House, Coton Road, Nuneaton

· Rugby Borough Council

The Retreat, Newbold Road, Rugby

· Stratford District Council

Elizabeth House, Church Street, Stratford

· Warwick District Council

Riverside House, Milverton Hill, Leamington Spa

Housing Advice

Young Housing Project

If you are aged between 16 and 25, drop in any afternoon between 2 and 4pm to 38 High Street, Leamington Spa for some independent advice.

Homeless At Risk Project

Advisers will see by appointment and will work with you to try to find suitable accommodation in the Rugby area. Appointments can be made through CARS (see your Probation Officer)

Shelter Line

Call 0808 800 4444 for advice on any housing issue.

Emergency Accommodation

This is hostel or B&B style accommodation. You can refer yourself.

Eden Villa (Salvation Army)

13 Charlotte Street, Leamington Spa. 01926 450708 (after 2pm)

Cyrenians

Bird Street, Coventry. 024 7622 8099