A new project which aims to boost the health and wellbeing of those in housing crisis has been launched in Amber Valley.
Amber Valley Housing has joined forces with NHS Derbyshire County to provide a range of support services as part of its provision of homeless and housing advice on behalf of Amber Valley Borough Council.
Services include free laundry vouchers and recipe cards, which have been designed with the help of families at the Riverside mother and baby hostel in Ripley.
The group asked for easy-to-follow, nutritional recipes using everyday ingredients and ideas for leftovers.Examples include a meat sauce which can be used as a base for spaghetti bolognese, cottage pie or chilli con carne.
The laundry service is being supported by local laundrettes In a Spin in Langley Mill and Tumble Wash in Ripley.
The support sets have been distributed to those in housing need across the borough, with recipe cards available to those in temporary accommodation on request.
Reena Sharma from English Churches Housing Group owned Riverside, said: “Cooking nutritious meals on a budget is a skill for life, and one which is particularly important for young families.
“Helping to design the cards has helped to empower the families we work with, who will get to see other people benefit from their ideas.”
Sara Parkin, senior housing advisor at Amber Valley Housing, said: “The welfare of those in housing need is a primary focus for us, and includes improving access to services that others take for granted, like having clean clothes or a nutritious meal.
“Working with our partners is essential in providing these services, which are designed to promote general wellbeing, helping to improve both short-term and long-term health.We’d like to thank all those involved for their support and Riverside for taking the time to help shape our service.”
Amber Valley Housing is part of the Futures Housing Group, and manages 5,500 properties across Derbyshire.
Jane Horton, housing and health strategy manager for NHS Derbyshire County, said: “We are delighted to be supporting this innovative project which will play an immeasurable role in helping those who are most vulnerable by providing them with access to services that will improve their health and wellbeing in ways that we all take for granted such as access to showers, clean clothes and healthy meals.”
Each year NHS Derbyshire encourages local housing providers and partners to apply for funding for projects of this nature through the Derbyshire Health and Housing Group. Further details are available from Jane Horton, housing and health strategy manager, on 01773 525099 or email jane.horton@derbyshirecountypct.nhs.uk.
