Working together, supporting each other

Representatives from more than 50 specialist support agencies joined L&Q on Friday at a conference aimed at strengthening our relationships and exploring ways of helping each other through the complex and changing support environment.
The "Working together, supporting each other" conference at the Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel in central London was organised by L&Q's Agency Contracts and Quality Team.
Representatives from the National Housing Federation and the Department of Communities and Local Government were also present, outlining the challenges ahead in the Support environment.
There were also workshops on resident involvement, personalisation, procurement, housing law, and how L&Q and the agencies can work more closely to tackle future challenges.
Sonia Bernard, Assistant Director – Communities, Partnerships and Support at L&Q, said: "L&Q remains committed to its vulnerable residents. Our relationships with the specialist support providers are crucial.
"The environment we are working in is going through a period of unprecedented political and economic upheaval so it is more important than ever that we work together and support each to ensure that our vulnerable residents receive all the care and help they need.
"This conference was a fantastic opportunity for us all to get together and discuss some of the key issues affecting us and look at ways of tackling them together. We had some great feedback from the people who came along and I've no doubt we will be able to work more effectively together as a result."
Virginia Metzner from the Single Homeless Project (SHP) said: "The conference was very interesting and it was good to spend time with other organisations and share information and experiences. The day was enjoyable and informative."
Margaret Coward from Life Housing said: "It was useful to meet other providers and see the range of services involved."
To find out more information about the Agency Services and Contracts Team and the work they do you can download a brochure here (pdf, 3.30mb).