Information

Keir Lewis, 4in10's Research and Learning Officer writes about the ending of the eviction ban.

A ‘tidal wave’ of evictions are coming.  

May 31st 2021 marked the end of the eviction ban following a series of temporary (often last-minute) extensions. This piece of legislation, whilst imperfect, provided the primary source of protection for renters during the pandemic. The eviction ban originally prevented eviction court hearings, temporarily ensuring eviction proceedings did not start. It also extended ‘minimum notice periods’, the minimum time period a landlord could give a tenant if they wished for them to leave the property, to six months. 

What Is Changing?  

From 1st June, bailiffs will legally be allowed to enter renter’s homes and enforce evictions. 

Minimum notice periods will also change. The notice period required to be given by landlords will drop to four months on 1st June and then to two months on 1st October. 

Why This Matters 

Many London renters face a myriad of housing challenges and the eviction ban simply papered over cracks.  

Inadequate social housing supply, employment insecurity, rising rents, unfit housing benefit and accelerating gentrification are all challenges that remained unaddressed by the eviction ban and the governments pandemic response.  

Nowhere else in the country does the cost of housing ‘push’ more people into poverty than in London. According to research from End Child Poverty, nine of the ten Local Authorities with the highest levels of child poverty are in London – with housing being a significant driver behind these figures. A recent London School of Economics report projected that 400,000 private tenants in London may be in significant rent arrears by the end of 2021. Whilst these figures in London are alarming, this is unsurprising given that nationally over £360 million has already been accumulated in covid-related rent arrears. 

All in all, this means London could be facing a period of evictions and homelessness like it has never experienced before. 

How Can We Help 

As part of the London Child Poverty Alliance, our manifesto called upon the new London Mayor to take action on housing. We called for legislative action to tackle exorbitantly high rents, urgently deliver new homes at social rent and improve the standards and conditions of temporary accommodation in London. 

However, this call for action cannot be seen as separate from our broader manifesto calls. Just like the eviction ban coming to a close in May, at present, the £20 uplift in Universal Credit is due to end at the end of September.  

We simply cannot allow our social safety net to be cut further. 

Getting Help 

If you’re worried about being evicted or supporting someone who is, Shelter offer support regarding the eviction ban and homelessness here. 

You can also use 4in10’s ‘Get Help’ support page here. 

by Liza Dresner

Volunteer Week Free Resources

Volunteer Week runs from June 1st to June 7th. Download free resources and templates from the Volunteers Week resources page.

by Liza Dresner

Mental Health Support for Young Migrants and Asylum Seekers

In light of the dreadful 4^th Suicide of a young Eritrean asylum seeker in the UK aged just 19, here are a number of London organisations supporting the mental health of young refugees, asylum seekers and migrants:

• Afghanistan and Central Asian Association based in Hounslow but serves Afghan refugees from across London.
• AFRIL support the children of refugees , as well as young refugees themselves, in Lewisham.
• Body and Soul supports children, teenagers and adults affected by trauma.
• Baobab Survivors in Exile The Baobab Centre is a non-residential therapeutic community that enables child and adolescent asylum seekers who have experienced organized violence, violation, exploitation, threats, rejection, loss and bereavement in their home communities and on their journeys into exile to thrive.
• Black & Asian Therapists Network provides training, resources and information, and an online directory of qualified therapists experienced in working with immigrant population including African, Caribbean and Asian clients.
• Forced Migration Trauma Service work with people who have experienced trauma and/or forced migration.  This is an NHS service, so referrals are required for treatment. Referrals are available from a care co-ordinator, GP/local doctor, or a specialist mental health service.
• Freedom from Torture provides direct clinical / therapeutic services to survivors of torture who arrive in the UK.
• Ghanaian Welfare Association  provides the Ghanaian community in London advice including mental health support.
• Helen Bamber Foundation  works with survivors of genocide, torture, trafficking and rape by providing them with practical support and treatment to deal with their pasts and build new futures.
• Nafsiyat Intercultural Therapy Centre offers culturally sensitive psychotherapy/counselling to ethnic minorities including refugees and asylum seekers in a variety of languages.
• NAZ Black Asian and Minority Ethnic run sexual health support agency that are offering free online counselling as well as other practical support for the LGBTQ+ minority ethnic and black communities.
• New Citizens Gateway serve Barnet and north London with specific young refugee projects and support.
• No Panic Helpline Helplines for anxiety disorders, panic attacks etc. 0844 9674848 Youth Helpline 0330 606 1174 (for 13 to 20 year olds open Mon to Thurs 4pm-6pm)
• Refugee Council. Offer specialist mental health support to help refugees to rebuild their lives using the resilience, strength and skills acquired on their journey.
• Social Workers Without Borders offers voluntary support to asylum seekers, refugees and those impacted by borders, independently of government and local authorities, using its members’ social work skill and expertise.
• South London Refugee Association specialist advice for vulnerable young migrants.
• The Chinese Information & Advice Centre offers support and information including mental health support, to disadvantaged Chinese people living in the UK.
• The Refugee Therapy Centre offers expertise in the delivery of an integrated and user-friendly mental health service for people who have endured considerable trauma and forced displacement. The Centre provides psychotherapy, counselling and associated treatments to refugees and asylum seekers in their own language.
• Traumatic Stress Clinic provides specialist mental health care for post traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) to children, adolescents and adults.  Refugees and asylum seekers account for over half of the referrals to the Clinic.  This is an NHS service, so referrals are required for treatment. Referrals are available from a care co-ordinator, GP/local doctor, or a specialist mental health service.
• Vietnamese Mental Health Services offers culturally sensitive mental health services to Vietnamese people with mental health problems including refugees and asylum seekers. Services provided are drop in day services, outreach and counselling services.
• Waterloo Community Counselling helps people resolve emotional issues, reduce anxiety and depression, and gain self-confidence. Individual and group counselling is offered in English and a range of other languages.
• Young Roots help young refugees and asylum seekers aged 11 - 25. Their 1-to-1 casework service supports young people with issues like housing, immigration and emotional support

by Liza Dresner