Longhurst Group director appointed to national domestic abuse panel

Longhurst Group’s Director of Housing has been selected to sit on the National Housing Federation’s panel to tackle domestic abuse.

Craig Taylor has been appointed to the panel, which has been formed by the NHF to raise awareness within the social housing sector of the need for fit for purpose domestic abuse policies and procedures.

Craig said that his appointment was central to our work to support our customers who are experiencing domestic abuse, in all its forms.

“I am very proud to have been accepted onto the panel. It means Longhurst Group has a national voice in the work to tackle domestic abuse in this country, at a time when that work is so high up on the agenda, not just for us as an organisation but on a national level, too.

“One in four people experience domestic abuse in the UK, which means that many victims will live in social housing. Therefore it’s imperative that housing associations understand the scale of the problem, and work together to tackle it.

“It’s really important that we have the platform to share the good work that we’re doing as an organisation and also have the opportunity to learn what others are doing to ensure that our offer to support customers – and colleagues – is a strong one.”

As one of the leading housing associations in the Midlands and East of England with over 22,500 homes, we are proud to have pledged our support for the Chartered Institute of Housing’s Make a Stand campaign.

The campaign centres around a pledge which has been developed by the Chartered Institute of Housing in partnership with Women’s Aid and the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA).

It consists of four commitments which housing organisations can make to support people that live and work in housing who are experiencing domestic abuse.

The Group is also currently applying for accreditation from DAHA, which recognises associations that meet eight core standards of good practice in relation to domestic abuse.

Mr Taylor added: “Domestic abuse can be a difficult subject to discuss, but encouraging our own customers and colleagues to open up about what they’re going through – and then be in a position to help them – is a hugely important thing for us as an organisation.

“It starts with the training that we provide to our staff and making sure that they’re able and confident in spotting the signs of domestic abuse, however small they may be. Then it’s about providing the access points and a wide range of services to ensure that customers are confident in coming to us for support.

“It’s about being there for our customers and colleagues and standing side by side with them and making sure that they’re fully supported in staying safe, healthy and happy with a roof over their head.

“Being able to represent Longhurst Group on the panel is a fantastic opportunity and a role that I’m very proud to have undertaken.”

To find out more about our involvement in the Make a Stand campaign, please click here.