This report presents the findings from an evaluation of a partnership project between Crisis Skylight South Yorkshire and South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority (SYFRA) over the period November 2015 – December 2017.

Key findings

• Reflection 1: Crisis members who had engaged with Crisis Skylight South Yorkshire and South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority partnership activities reported better awareness of their rights and entitlements as a tenant, and reported increased confidence in being able to maintain a tenancy (if secured).
• Reflection 2: The content and delivery of the Renting Ready course is well designed and tailored by tutors to meet a range of different learning styles and needs.
• Reflection 3: Renting Ready tutors work hard to effectively manage challenging group dynamics within the classroom.
• Reflection 4: Renting Ready and accompanying 1:1 coaching creates a holistic package of support that provides a more direct pathway out of homelessness.
• Reflection 5: Crisis Skylight South Yorkshire’s model is skilfully delivered to prevent members involved in partnership activities developing a dependency on Crisis.
• Reflection 6: The nimble outreach model, coupled with the extensive reach of the Crisis team across South Yorkshire, provides an accessible service for vulnerable populations benefiting from partnership activities who would otherwise struggle to travel distances outside their local area to seek support.
• Reflection 7: The partnership between Crisis and South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority was effective and mutually beneficial.
• Reflection 8: An enduring legacy: delivery of partnership activities will continue beyond the lifetime of the initial grant.

Reference

Dartington Service Design Lab (2018) Crisis Skylight South Yorkshire and South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority Partnership: Helping homeless people and those in vulnerable housing situations to effectively access and safely maintain tenancies. London: Crisis.