Sustaining Tenancies Project

The Sustaining Tenancies Project is delivered by Life Change Changes Lives (LCCL) and funded through the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) Sustaining Tenancies Funding Programme. The project supports Housing Executive tenants who are experiencing challenges that place their tenancy at risk, including mental ill-health, addiction, financial hardship, social isolation, and the impact of trauma.

Why the Project Exists

Many tenants face complex and overlapping difficulties that can make it hard to manage and sustain a tenancy. Without timely, practical and emotional support, these pressures can escalate, increasing the risk of tenancy breakdown and homelessness. The Sustaining Tenancies Project exists to provide early, preventative support, helping tenants remain safely housed while improving wellbeing and stability.

What the Project Provides

The project offers flexible, trauma-informed support tailored to individual need. This includes:

• One-to-one housing, benefits and financial advice, including budgeting support and assistance with benefit applications.
• Emotional and therapeutic support, including access to counselling and structured one-to-one support.
• Practical life-skills activities such as cookery, basic home skills and creative workshops, helping tenants build confidence and a sense of ownership in their home.
• Crisis intervention and advocacy for tenants experiencing acute difficulties.
• Access to a warm, welcoming community space that reduces isolation and encourages positive social connection.

Who the Project Supports

The Sustaining Tenancies Project supports Housing Executive tenants across South Down, including individuals and families who may be living with mental health difficulties, addiction, poverty, trauma or social isolation. The project works alongside statutory and community partners to ensure support is coordinated, accessible and non-judgemental.

Impact and Preventative Approach

By building trusting relationships and offering consistent, practical support, the project helps tenants maintain their tenancy, improve wellbeing and remain connected to services and their community. The preventative nature of the project reduces pressure on statutory services and plays a key role in preventing eviction and homelessness before crisis point is reached.