At Cedar Foundation, we believe everyone deserves a safe and stable place to call home. That's why we're committed to tackling homelessness through our vital Floating Support service. This service provides practical support and guidance to individuals across Northern Ireland, helping them maintain their tenancies and prevent homelessness.

Homelessness Awareness Week 2024

Our Floating Support Workers, Síofra and Stephanie, recently attended the launch of Homelessness Awareness Week 2024 at Belfast City Hall. The "Time for Change: Responding to Homelessness" event brought together frontline staff from across the sector to recognise their efforts in supporting those experiencing homelessness.

The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, highlighted the growing challenge of homelessness in the city and emphasised the need for a multi-faceted response that addresses its complex reasons. He stressed the importance of individualised support to help people get back on their feet and thrive in their communities.

Cedar's Floating Support Service in Action

Cedar's Floating Support service aligns perfectly with this vision. We offer practical assistance to individuals aged 18 and over, empowering them to develop independent living skills and maintain their tenancies.

Our support covers a wide range of areas, including:

• Benefits advice and support: Ensuring individuals receive all their entitlements.
• Budget and debt management: Helping people manage their finances effectively.
• Accessing social and recreational activities: Promoting social inclusion and wellbeing.
• Home management skills: Developing essential skills for maintaining a safe and comfortable home.
• Tenancy rights and responsibilities: Empowering individuals to understand and navigate their tenancy agreements.

Making a Real Impact

Below is a brief discussion with Stephanie, a support worker with over 20 years of experience at Cedar. She shares valuable insights into how Floating Support helps individuals maintain their tenancies and prevent homelessness.

A perfect example of this is highlighted by how the service supported Ruth, a woman with a learning disability, and her mother, Geraldine. By providing practical guidance and emotional support, the service enabled Ruth to thrive in her own home. You can read more by clicking here: 

Geraldine and Ruth's Story

How to Access Floating Support

Our Regional Floating Support Service (Disability) is available across all of the Northern, Southern, and Belfast Trust areas, including the South Eastern Trust (Lisburn, Greater Lisburn area only), and the Northern Sector of the Western Trust.

Referrals can be made by:

• Allied professionals from the Health and Social Care Trusts
• The Northern Ireland Housing Executive
• Housing Associations
• GP Practices
• Other voluntary/community-based bodies

Individuals can also self-refer.

Cedar Foundation is dedicated to preventing homelessness and supporting individuals to live fulfilling lives in their communities. Learn more about our Floating Support service and how you can get involved:

Floating Support Older People 55+

Regional Floating Support (Disability)