12th July 2012
Brendan Sarsfield, Chief Executive at Family Mosaic, spoke at Capita Conferences' Welfare Reform Conference about his organisation's strategy for the move to Universal Credit.
Mr Sarsfield said that he supports the idea of the simplified benefits system that Universal Credit represents but was concerned by cuts to welfare. He said:
"We think it will work for the majority and we've got to try and work out ways to support those who can't cope with it."
He also outlined Family Mosaic's Welfare Reform strategy. This focuses on four areas:
He stressed the importance of removing the stigma often associated with those receiving Housing Benefit. He said:
"It's important that we change our attitude....and start talking positively about the client groups that we work with."
Mr Sarsfield also discussed Family Mosaic's ethos on supporting their tenants in all areas, saying that they are striving 'not to be an island just working on housing and doing what we can for our residents around health, wealth and wellbeing.'
Family Mosaic's board has recently set a target of getting 1,000 residents into work over the next three years and the Association has created 60 apprenticeships this year, with further plans for 200 voluntary work opportunities to give unemployed tenants the confidence to re-enter the workplace.
