b'Ahelping handin a time of needWe know that the pandemic has caused hardship and feelings of loneliness among many of our residents. If youre struggling, give us a call and well do our best to help.A completely new way of workingDuring the pandemic Tenancyreferrals and signposting seven Support Officer Alison Hiltonresidents to HertsHelp or has had to develop a completelyBedfordshires Good Neighbour new way of working with the 190Scheme. One gentleman confided elderly and vulnerable residents shein me that hed started drinking too supports, because shes no longermuch so I referred him to Resolve,allowed to have a friendly catch-upa local support group. in their homes.Two residents told me that their Alison said: Ive been doing a lotPersonal Independence Payments of check in and chat phone calls.had been stopped, so I obtained their Some residents have become quitepermission to act as a third party and emotional because they havent seenquickly got their benefit reinstated.or spoken to anyone in weeks.I also set the ball rolling to get a level-I have also offered a range ofaccess shower and ramp installed for practical support over the phone,a resident who has long Covid.including making 11 Foodbank Rent arrearsdont be an ostrichOur rent arrears are currentlyIncome Officer Carole Grazette said: If we running far higher than normal.call you about your arrears, please talk openly If youre struggling, call us with us in confidence about whats going (01462 683307), email us on, so that we can work with you to find a (housing.team@fgch.co.uk) orsolution. Since the start of the pandemic, my chat to us live on our website. team has helped many residents to getback on track, often by payinga little extra each month toclear the debt.The Income team has also referred residents to Money Adviser Lisa ONeill for advice on Universal Credit, budgeting and other topics. Lisa said: If youre experiencing financial difficulties, dont stick your head in the sand and hope it will all go away. Talk to us and let us help you.Residents First|Page 2'