Reach: Housing advice and support

Practical, independent housing advice and support

Finding safe and secure housing isn’t always easy. Reach is a free, completely independent service – we are not part a housing association or local authority, so the advice we offer is truly impartial. This means you can come to us with confidence, especially if you’re having difficulties with your housing provider.

We provide practical and emotional support to help people stay housed or find somewhere to live, tailoring our approach to each person’s unique circumstances.

Reach supported 802 people in 2024/25 through phone, office and face‑to‑face appointments. Demand is growing, yet we continue to support 200 people at a time with no waiting list. Local services trust our expertise – we received 522 referrals last year.

Alongside housing advice, Reach also helps people maximise their income. We can assist with applying for benefits people may be missing out on – including Attendance Allowance, Pension Credit, and other vital support that can significantly boost household income.

Our support includes:

• Helping people manage rent arrears to prevent eviction
• Providing independent advice on issues with landlords or housing associations
• Offering a full free resettlement service – applying for grants for furniture and white goods, arranging removals, and helping set up utilities when moving home
• Supporting people after homelessness or temporary accommodation to settle successfully
• Delivering short-term, effective help – most people no longer need the service after six months

In 2024/25, Reach secured:

• £60,905 for furniture, white goods, carpets, removals and rent in advance
• £11,029 to clear rent arrears and prevent homelessness

Reach is a vital service for Bath & North East Somerset – easing pressure on housing providers, preventing homelessness, and helping people build safer, more secure futures.