Emma Lloyd, who has worked in various roles within the Platform Housing Group since 2017, has witnessed the direct impact of financial hardship on customers’ lives having worked closely with housing officers and income officers amongst others.
Miss Lloyd said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for me both personally and professionally. Being involved in a project that is going to have such a positive impact on so many lives and communities is very humbling.
“The fund is of particular importance at the moment, after the unprecedented year we have all experienced. I look forward to helping to resolve many of the issues that have been thrust upon so many due to the pandemic.”
Miss Lloyd will be responsible for the group’s newly established wellbeing fund launched last year to provide fast and flexible support to customers during challenging times. The money can help tenants cover the cost of food, essential items such as school uniforms, energy and utility costs as well as helping to bridge the gap between a benefit application and the first payment.
Michael Bruce, director of platform hub and income management at Platform Housing Group said : “We are delighted to appoint Emma to head up our wellbeing fund. Emma has a wealth of hands on experience with our customers as well as all the enthusiasm and empathy that the role requires. The fund itself is flexible and is designed to recognise that customers have many needs that go beyond the homes we provide, focussing on financial and emotional support that makes a tangible difference to local lives.”
The fund has already provided more than £173,000 of immediate and practical help in the form of payments to cover fuel and water costs, benefits delays and other essentials.