REACH: Housing advice and support

Practical, independent housing advice and support

Finding safe and secure housing isn’t always easy. DHI’s Reach service provides practical and emotional support to people who need help staying housed or finding somewhere to live.

We understand that everyone’s situation is different, so we tailor our support to each person – focusing on their needs, not their label.

In 2024/25, Reach supported 802 people through phone and face-to-face support. Demand is growing every year, yet we continue to support 200 people at a time – and we’ve never had a waiting list.

We’re independent from Bath & North East Somerset Council and housing associations, so the advice we offer is truly impartial.

Local services trust our expertise: we received 522 referrals into Reach last year.

Our aim is to help people stay independent and avoid homelessness. Support includes:

• Helping people manage rent arrears to prevent eviction
• Supporting people to settle into new homes after being homeless or living in temporary accommodation
• Providing short-term, effective support – most people no longer need the service after six months

We also help people access grants and funds to support them to live independently in their homes. In 2024/25, we secured:

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

Reach is a vital service for Bath & North East Somerset, easing pressure on housing providers, preventing homelessness and costly interventions, and, importantly, helping people build a more secure future.