Advertisement
Advertorial from Stonewater

More than bricks and mortar: how Stonewater is building lives, not just homes

Stonewater provides more than housing, offering support services that help people thrive and create lasting change.

Advertorial from Stonewater

In the midst of a housing crisis, Stonewater, one of the UK’s largest social housing providers, is taking a holistic approach to tackle the issue head-on. With around 39,000 homes serving more than 82,000 customers, Stonewater is proving that putting a roof over someone’s head is just the beginning of the journey towards a stable, fulfilling life. “We’re incredibly proud to offer a wide range of services that not only help people survive, but thrive,” says Helena Doyle, Customer Experience Director at Stonewater. It’s a bold statement, but one that’s backed up by a diverse portfolio of initiatives that go far beyond traditional housing provision. Stonewater’s vision – for everybody to have the opportunity to have a place they can call home – might sound simple, but it’s underpinned by a complex web of support services. Their mission is to offer good-quality homes and services for people whose needs are not met by the open market. “It’s not just about bricks and mortar,” Doyle explains. “It’s about giving security to those who need it the most.”

Supporting vulnerable communities
This ethos is exemplified in Stonewater’s approach to supporting survivors of domestic abuse. In southeast England, the organisation runs a refuge that’s intended as more than just a safe space – it’s a launchpad for rebuilding lives. “Everything is explained to me if I can’t take it in first time,” says one resident, who wishes to remain anonymous. “My support worker is always here for me, [she’s] brilliant. I feel I’m starting to open up a bit more to her. Other staff members are also caring and approachable to talk to when needed.” It’s this kind of personalised, trauma-informed support that frames Stonewater’s approach. The refuge offers not just accommodation, but a range of services including counselling, skills workshops, and help with finding permanent housing.

The organisation’s reach extends far beyond domestic abuse services. From retirement living schemes in Banbury and Leamington Spa to young people’s foyers in Poole and Swindon, Stonewater is addressing housing needs across the spectrum of society. Take Bow Court, a supported living scheme for adults of all ages, which is challenging preconceptions about what accommodation might look like in later life. “Bow Court is an ideal environment for older customers that want greater independence than you would traditionally expect from a retirement scheme,” says Doyle. Here, residents are supported to build skills and confidence, proving that it’s never too late to learn and grow.

For younger customers, Stonewater’s foyers in Poole and Swindon offer a crucial stepping stone to independence. These facilities provide not just a roof, but education, training, and employment support to help young people build sustainable futures. The group’s commitment to inclusivity is perhaps most evident in their LGBTQ+ Safe Space in the southwest of England. Since 2019, this pioneering project has provided a lifeline for 19 people, offering not just accommodation but specialist support for multiple and complex needs. “Many customers arrive at these spaces having experienced homelessness in their lives,” Doyle notes. “But providing a place to live is only the first step.” This philosophy is at the heart of Stonewater’s approach – recognising that true security comes not just from four walls and a roof, but from the opportunity to build a life.

Innovating for sustainable solutions
In response to the cost of living crisis, Stonewater has also implemented initiatives to help residents manage their bills and improve sustainability. They include energy-efficient technologies in their newly built homes and upgrades to existing homes through a retrofit programme. Advice services also help residents reduce their energy consumption, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability that directly benefits customers.


This holistic approach is yielding results. In Brighton and Hove, the group recently unveiled the ‘Safe Haven by the Sea’ report, a comprehensive study of housing challenges and solutions for domestic abuse survivors in the area. The report, shaped by the experiences of survivors themselves, is set to influence policy and practice in the region and beyond. But Stonewater isn’t content to rest on its laurels. The organisation is continually looking for ways to innovate and improve its services. A recent partnership with Southdown Housing, for example, has created a crucial safe accommodation pathway for survivors moving on from the Brighton and Hove refuge. “We help create an environment where individuals can build the skills and confidence they need to live independently through relationship building, support networks, and career support,” Doyle explains.

Advertisement
Advertisement


As the housing crisis continues to dominate headlines, it’s clear that this is an approach that is badly needed. By addressing not just housing needs but the myriad challenges that often accompany housing insecurity, they’re creating lasting change in communities across the country. “Stonewater is proud to provide these services, ensuring supported housing remains a vital resource for those who need it most,” Doyle concludes. In a world where the concept of ‘home’ is increasingly precarious for many, Stonewater is proving that with the right support, everyone can find their place. While ambitious house-building targets are crucial for addressing the housing shortage, Stonewater’s work reminds us that truly solving the housing crisis will require more than just constructing buildings. It will require building lives, communities, and hope. And in that endeavour, Stonewater is leading the way, always putting the customer first.

To find out more about Stonewater’s work and how you can support their initiatives,visit stonewater.org

Advertisement

Become a Big Issue member

3.8 million people in the UK live in extreme poverty. Turn your anger into action - become a Big Issue member and give us the power to take poverty to zero.

Recommended for you

Read All
Cash-strapped council warns it's at breaking point as neighbour places homeless people in its town
homeless peoples' tents in street
Homelessness

Cash-strapped council warns it's at breaking point as neighbour places homeless people in its town

Homeless families occupy council housing offices on Halloween in plea to fix 'houses of horror'
Homeless families at a protest about council housing
Homelessness

Homeless families occupy council housing offices on Halloween in plea to fix 'houses of horror'

'It should incense us all': Rough sleeping in London hits new record high
A rough sleeper's tent
Rough sleeping

'It should incense us all': Rough sleeping in London hits new record high

Autumn budget: Labour's failure to raise housing benefit to keep up with rents is 'deeply worrying'
a person's hands on a calculator
Housing benefits

Autumn budget: Labour's failure to raise housing benefit to keep up with rents is 'deeply worrying'

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over

Citroën Ami: the tiny electric vehicle driving change with The Big Issue
4.

Citroën Ami: the tiny electric vehicle driving change with The Big Issue