Who We Are:

Founded in 1968, BCHA provides practical solutions to homelessness, unemployment, social exclusion and the need for more affordable housing across the South of England. Each year we help around 10,000 homeless and vulnerable people access the right housing, living, support, learning and work opportunities.

We own and manage a diverse range of around 2,000 units of social housing for those with general needs like poverty or unemployment, and support needs such as homelessness, mental health or domestic abuse issues. At a time when the UK is experiencing a shortage of affordable homes, we strive to provide and build affordable housing – providing more people with a safe and secure place to live.

What We Do:

BCHA plays a significant role in our local communities to help people with a range of needs to find stability, safety and independence, whether through housing, learning opportunities or advice. We know financial struggles, unemployment, relationship breakdowns and illness can happen to anyone, that’s why we support people who feel they have nowhere to turn, and help them find a way forward.

General Needs Housing:

These homes are for people who are eligible for social housing, but don’t have additional support needs. Our experienced Housing Team support people to maintain their tenancies, and provide additional assistance when tenants find it difficult to pay their rent.

Our general needs homes are located mainly around Dorset, but also in Somerset, Wiltshire and Hampshire.

Supported Housing:

A significant part of BCHAs housing offer in the South West is centred around supported housing. We provide a range of services for those who find themselves homeless after facing poverty, relationship break-downs, addictions, unemployment, domestic violence and deteriorating mental and physical health.

We support residents to address the issues that led them to become homeless, as well as equipping them with life skills for the future.

Employability & Skills:

At BCHA we are passionate about supporting people to make positive changes and turn their lives around – this may be through learning new skills, trying new opportunities and celebrating successes – the little ones as well as the big ones. We recognise that every one of us is an individual, with different interests, skills and experiences – that’s why we are all about working with you to explore what you want to achieve. We offer a range of choices and options, and will support you to achieve your goals. attain a qualification, enter employment or start volunteering through our learning and work programmes.

Why we need you:

2018 marks 50 years since BCHA was formed to create a practical local solution to a national housing crisis. To celebrate we’re bringing our staff, communities and partners together in our new campaign – BChangemakers, looking back on lives we have transformed over the past 50 years, and forward to those we hope want to positively change in the future.  We are hoping to raise £500,000 to help us to continue to offer the range services and to support some exciting new projects.

For more information please visit www.bchangemakers.org.uk  By taking part in a skydive you can have the experience of a lifetime and raise some vital funds for BCHA.  Please sign up today!