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Bethany Project

By an innovative use of the new Loans to Landlords Scheme, North Devon is currently helping a small, Christian charity in Barnstaple.

The Bethany Project owns property in the town which provides temporary supported accommodation to residents who are determined to change their lives.

These vulnerable people are working to live beyond their substance dependence, whether drugs or alcohol.

Their Chief Executive Lettuce Bruguir says: "Our motto is: Dependence to Independence and the loan through Wessex has enabled us to repair and make safe the property for our residents."

The Bethany Project started 7 years ago, and is supported by Churches in the town and by members of the   community.

"By providing this safe and homely environment our clients can move on to live their lives free from substance dependence."

The project can accommodate up to 18 residents, with others being supported in the community.   Clients are referred by either the Probation or Treatment Services.   Although clients can seek help independently, they would be sign-posted to one of these agencies for a formal referral to demonstrate their commitment to recovery.

There will be a report of progress and "before and after" photographs on this significant work in future updates.

Heatherton Park Studio

Wessex Home Improvement Loans occupies the top floor of this building which is heated by renewable energy.

Client Satisfaction Survey

We always ask our clients to complete a satisfaction survey report which requests that they give us feedback about their experience as our client of Wessex Home Improvement Loans.

Summary of Client Satisfaction Survey Results
to March 2010

We also ask them to comment on the changes and improvements to their quality of life since the work was completed on their home.

Here are just some of the responses we have received:-

North Somerset Client:
"The replacement of the ground floor window has eased my anxiety about security as it would have been easy for someone to gain access due to poor condition of locks and frame. The electric wiring has been replaced and eased another concern. The new wet room has made an unbelievable difference to my life. Just walking under a shower rather than having to struggle to get in and out of a bath - with the possibility of slipping and falling - is really such a relief".

West Somerset Client:
"The loan enabled re-thatching of my listed home - unaffordable through any other scheme. The house is warmer and no longer allows water in at various points. Financially, I feel more secure, especially as the scheme allows early repayment without penalty".

Bristol City Clients:
"The worry of a leaking roof, old electrics and crumbling draughty window frames has all been taken away, thanks to the loan, and the monthly repayments are well within our budget. Thank you".

"Without the loan I would have been dreading the winter as windows and doors were in disrepair. The loan is cheap enough to afford the monthly repayments. I am more comfortable in my home and financially don't have to worry about the cost".

"We felt that everything was explained very well and that we were really looked after well. It was all a really nice experience which we did not expect. The people from Wessex were very understanding and approachable. Thank you very much for the service".

South Gloucester Clients:
"I have had to endure my bathroom leaking in about 10 places for the last 3 years. Each time it rained I had to put plastic sheeting and towels down to soak up the water. This was extremely troublesome and depressing. Now I have a new roof covering and I haven't stopped feeling good about the improvements yet!"

"Without the loan, I would not have central heating or hot water. I am now feeling more secure, warm and everything is working efficiently. You have changed my life. I have MS and need to have warmth more than most people as cold affects my ability to function. Thank you so much for the delivery of all the stages of my application. It has all been handled with sensitivity, a true warmth and compassion over the death of my husband in particular".

South Somerset Client:
"The knowledge that my roof was dodgy and in urgent need of repair was always a worry at the back of my mind - no longer! Also it will be warmer when cold weather arrives. Also, I won't be awoken by squirrels nesting in the loft. They make an unbelievable amount of noise."

Taunton Deane Client:
"Because my window frames were rotten, the glass was loose and I felt very insecure as I live in an isolated cottage and was afraid that someone would get into my home. The electrics were very old and the power was constantly switching off, which was very frightening. My home is now warmer with a nicer feeling and lights that don't flicker. I'm very pleased because the work has improved my standard of life greatly".