Guernsey Housing Association (GHA) has created a new Tenancy Sustainability Officer role to support tenants to access appropriate support services and helping people to maintain their tenancies.
Jo Tostevin (pictured), who has worked within the organisation for over a decade, has been appointed to the role. She will work directly with tenants to develop personalised support for their particular needs, strengthening engagement with specialist advice and support organisations, such as Citizens Advice Guernsey and Guernsey Welfare Service.
Jo said: “By working one-on-one with tenants, we can provide a bespoke approach that reflects every individual’s circumstances. That could be helping someone navigate financial challenges, connecting them with the right services or simply offering a listening ear during a difficult time.
“If people feel supported, they’re more likely to succeed. Sometimes, just knowing someone is there to listen can make all the difference. It is important we normalise that and create an environment where people feel comfortable reaching out.”
Jo will also be tackling issues such as the stigma surrounding those who require additional benefits and how they can access support. ”
Vic Slade, Chief Executive at GHA, added: “GHA’s role has always been about more than bricks and mortar. Providing good-quality affordable homes is central to what we do, but we also know that a successful tenancy can depend on the right support being available at the right time.
“Jo will help us work even more closely with tenants, understand the challenges they may be facing, and connect them with support before issues become harder to manage. We want our tenants to feel settled, listened to and part of a community. This role strengthens our ability to do that, and Jo’s experience and empathy make her ideally placed to take it forward.”
