PBHA is a housing association with charitable aims that creates positive change in people’s lives. As well as homes and support, we empower people to learn, access work and discover their creative talents. Based mainly in Hackney and Islington, we work with people who are homeless, have mental ill health, learning difficulties and multiple needs. Our work enables people to move on and lead independent lives.
We provide supported tenancies to those at risk of homelessness, alongside a range of wellbeing and adult learning programmes. These are available to our tenants and other disadvantaged adults, who can access: formal and informal courses in a range of subjects, such as literacy, money management, and customer service; tailored Information Advice and Guidance; individual work placements in our social enterprises; a range of community activities. We are committed to an asset based and psychologically informed approach throughout our work. Mutual support, participation and personal development for both staff and service users is key to this
To strengthen this approach, our work now incorporates all the principles of a Psychologically Informed Environment. These aim to take into account the feelings, thoughts and perceptions of our tenants, staff, volunteers and participants in all aspects of our day to day practice. This in practice means that our tenants and participants are fully involved in decision, including those with more complex needs, our staff are fully trained to understand why vulnerable people facing emotional challenges in life may behave in difficult ways, and that PBHA gives all staff time to reflect together on their as well as their clients’ needs.
