TAP Housing Team

The housing team at The Access Point offers a service to single people and couples aged 18 or over who are currently homeless.  The service we offer is free of charge.

We can advice and assist with the following:

• council housing
• housing associations
• private renting
• supported accommodation
• emergency/temporary accommodation
• joint Housing/Social Work services
• assessment of your legal rights under homelessness law
• accessing appropriate support services
• referrals to specialist services for further advice and help.

Visits and outreach

If you are unable to come to our council offices because of illness, disability or other reason we can arrange to visit you at home.

We can arrange to visit you in hospital or in prison if you need housing advice and help before discharge or release date.

Meeting with you

Please tell us if you have any special requirements, which could be:

• an interview by a staff member of the same sex
• interpretation and translation services
• help to fill in forms if necessary
• facilities for the hard of hearing or visually impaired
• bringing a friend or advisor to your appointment.

Your Privacy

We will:

• respect your privacy, customs, culture and beliefs
• provide a private interview room
• ensure the information you give is dealt with in a confidential way. If we need to share information we will get your permission before we do this
• comply with Data Protection Act and Freedom of Information Act.

Opening Hours

• Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 9.00am to 5.00pm
• Tuesday 10.00am to 5.00pm
• Friday 9.00am to 4.00pm

Appointments

To make an appointment please ring one of our Customer Advisors on 529 7438.

Interpreter and Translation Services

We have the facility to provide telephone access to an interpretation service for those whose first language is not English.  We also endeavour to have an interpreter present at pre-arranged appointments.

Crisis and Emergencies

If you have nowhere to stay tonight we will arrange an emergency interview for you with a duty officer. Please note that at busy times you may have to wait to be interviewed.

If you become homeless after office hours, you can contact the Council’s Out of Hours Service on Freephone 0800 032 5968.

Complaints

We are committed to giving a high standard of service.  If you are not happy with the service you received please see our complaints procedure.