What if I need immediate help?

If you are likely to be homeless within fi ve days of the council receiving the application form, the process is fast- Contacting Parashoot Housing support tracked to us and your local council will take steps to help you too. For more services for details, search for ‘Parashoot’ on our website www.ravenht.org.uk Raven House, 29 Linkfi eld Lane, people in Redhill RH1 1SS East Surrey Call 01737 272 500 Email [email protected] Visit www.ravenht.org.uk What is Parashoot? Parashoot is a free support service to help people at risk of losing their home, or people who have been What our customers say: homeless and need help settling in to their new homes.

“This service “My Housing Support A stable home is vital to help change lives for the has helped me Offi cer has really helped better and we’re here to help you make that happen. get things back me as an individual We can work with you if you live in Mole Valley, in order.” by going that extra Reigate and Banstead, Tandridge or Epsom and Ewell. mile to make sure I’m We can help anyone from single people to families. supported.” “Since Parashoot has We may also be able to provide support if you also supported me, my life have mental-health, alcohol or drug problems. has been good. The Housing Support Offi cer “Parashoot has What we do… has assisted and advised given me great We provide support services. Most people need me all the way.” support and advice – help with: thank you.” Managing and keeping their current home Claiming means-tested benefi ts Budgeting advice and managing debts USEFUL NUMBERS Mole Valley District Council: 01306 885001 Dealing with complicated paperwork Epsom & Ewell Borough Council: 01372 732000 Accessing other support services Reigate & Banstead Borough Council: 0151 221 2938 Getting started in a new home if they’ve Tandridge District Council: 01883 722000 been homeless How can we help? Q: What if I just need benefi ts advice? How do I apply? Your Housing Support Offi cer will visit to get A: Please contact your local council or the Department Most people are referred by another organisation, to know you. They can offer support and for Work & Pensions (DWP) to be referred for help. like a Sure Start Children’s Centre, local council or charity. You can also apply directly. advice to help you keep your home and live If you are a Raven tenant, you can also contact our free independently, make sure you are receiving MoneyWise service on 0300 123 3399. Applying through a referral organisation: all the money you are entitled to and help you manage your paperwork, bills and debts. Parashoot can only help if you: • Fill in a Parashoot application form – please • Need immediate help with keeping or fi nding search for ‘Parashoot’ on our website They will contact you regularly and put an a home www.ravenht.org.uk individual plan in place, with actions for you • Are aged 18 years or older • Please fi ll in as much detail as possible. We need as well as for us. Parashoot normally offers to know the outcome you are seeking as well as support for up to six months, but some • Are willing to take part and cooperate with the reasons for the referral people may need help for a little longer. the service • Send the form to your local council • Live in one of these council areas: Mole Valley District Council, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, Applying directly: Reigate & Banstead Borough Council or Tandridge • Download and fi ll in a Parashoot application District Council form from our website

• At the top of the form, write that you are Q: What if someone else is already supporting me? applying directly

A: Some people will need more specialist help. • Provide details of the support you need with We may not be able to help if you: your home and why you are applyingg • Have a history of domestic violence – • Email the form to the please contact ESDAS on 01737 771350 council for your local area for specialist help • Need more support than we can offer – Please Frequently asked discuss your needs with your social worker fi rst. What happens next? If you need extra help, please contact the adult questions Your council reviews the social care assessment team at your local council Q: Do I have to be a council tenant? forms, and then they (numbers on the back of this leafl et) may contact you or the A: It doesn’t matter what type of home you live in. • Need help with treatment for a substance-abuse person that referred you to We can help you if you: problem that is not being addressed check any details, your • Rent from a private landlord, council or eligibility, and fi nd out if • Are already working with another specialist housing association you need to make a support service, which may include sheltered housing register application. • Live with friends or family housing support. The council will then decide • Own your own home But don’t worry - if you’re unsure if this is right for you, whether Parashoot or another kind of support • Are homeless or live in temporary please contact us. We can put you in touch with the service would be better for you. Once we get the accommodation. right people, if we cannot help you. form, we will call you to arrange an assessment.