Event explores barriers facing vulnerable adults

A North East housing initiative is shedding light on the challenges preventing vulnerable adults from accessing employment, with early findings pointing to systemic issues.

Tyne Housing is leading the Opening Doors project, commissioned by the North East Combined Authority, to better understand why people in supported accommodation often remain out of work.

The initiative brings together researchers from the University of Sunderland and Newcastle University, alongside housing providers, to explore the barriers faced by individuals transitioning towards employment.

Early findings highlight issues including affordability of housing on entry-level wages and the need for continued support when moving into mainstream living. 

Personal circumstances, combined with wider structural challenges, can also discourage people from considering work.

The project draws on lived experiences and involves partners including Home Group, Bernicia and Newcastle City Council.

It aims to inform new approaches that could help reduce economic inactivity across the region by improving support pathways into employment.

Steve McKinlay, Chief Executive of Tyne Housing, said: “We, like other specialist housing associations, do everything we can to support people whose challenges have kept them out of work to rebuild their lives. 

“Our goal is ultimately to help them contribute positively to society and secure employment and independence that gives them a good quality of life.

“But we know that the barriers they face are often systemic.  

“Our purpose is to fully understand, and then remove these barriers, ensuring that people who are already trying to overcome personal challenges are properly empowered to get to a better place.

“Early results from the research have confirmed many things we already knew as providers, but it has also highlighted additional barriers that we must do our very best to remove for people who often already feel isolated, forgotten and under-represented.”

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