The Caridon Eagles, an adult mental health football team based in Croydon, was set up by Caridon Foundation in partnership with Palace for Life Foundation, the official charity of Crystal Palace F.C. For several years, the team has participated in weekly coaching sessions and is an opportunity for tenants to engage in sport, build relationships, and find renewed confidence through physical activity.

The funding will allow the programme to continue delivering weekly football training and twice-weekly gym access over the next year. It will also support the purchase of new sports equipment and branded team tops. Coaching is delivered by Crystal Palace coaches, ensuring sessions are professional, structured and most importantly, enjoyable for the participants.

“The Caridon Eagles are more than just a football team, they are a lifeline for many of our tenants,” said Sherrelle Collman, Managing Director of Caridon Foundation. “They represent everything we strive for: inclusion, support, and wellbeing. This funding from Sport England and The National Lottery means we can continue using sport to bring our tenants together, build confidence, and improve both mental and physical health.”

Caridon Foundation, part of Caridon Group, is a not-for-profit organisation that provides housing-related support to tenants facing multiple social disadvantages, including mental health challenges, financial hardship, and the risk of homelessness. Its work includes tenancy sustainment, eviction prevention, and support services that help individuals gain independence and transition into long-term housing.

Understanding the significant link between physical health and mental wellbeing, Caridon Foundation established the Eagles as a means of creating community, promoting active living, and building resilience. Matches and training sessions offer far more than athletic development, they are a platform for tenants to connect, establish routine, andsupport mental health recovery in a safe and friendly environment.

One member of Caridon Foundation Eagles recently said “Caridon Foundation has given me so much amazing support. Every week they provide food, drink, a listening ear and emotional support but more than that, being part of the Eagles has helped me break out of the constant feeling of loneliness and isolation. It has given me a sense of purpose and belonging, and for the first time in a long time, I feel hopeful about the future.”

Throughout the year, Caridon Foundation will continue promoting the Eagles initiative through its networks and social platforms. Planned activities include a staff vs. tenants match, as well as other community events designed to celebrate participation and reinforce the positive impact of sport in supported housing.

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The Caridon Eagles are more than just a football team – they represent the heart of our mission to foster connection, inclusivity, and engagement among our tenants. For several years, Caridon Foundation has been organising these matches, not just as a fun competition but as a platform to promote active living, positive mental health and build a supportive community through sports.

Guided by a professional football coach from Crystal Palace F.C., the Eagles have been training regularly, honing their skills and building confidence both on and off the pitch. These sessions offer more than just athletic improvement – they’re an opportunity for tenants to connect, support one another, and grow as a team.

During the game, the Eagles demonstrated exceptional camaraderie, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to one another. Every player gave their all, embodying the true essence of teamwork. This spirit is what defines the Eagles – it’s not just about the score; it’s about the connections forged and the growth achieved as individuals and as a community.

We are immensely proud of the Eagles for their efforts and for representing the values of the Caridon Foundation with such heart. Thank you to EWI Pro for a fantastic match, and to everyone who participated, cheered, and supported the event.

Let’s keep the momentum going—onwards and upwards, Eagles!

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What’s Happening?

Starting today, thousands of Housing Benefit recipients will begin receiving crucial migration letters from the DWP. This marks the beginning of a phased transition process known as Managed Migration. If you receive Housing Benefit, you should expect your notification soon.

What Should You Do When You Receive Your Letter?

Upon receiving your migration letter, you have a three-month window to apply for Universal Credit. It’s crucial to act promptly as failure to apply within this timeframe could result in a loss of benefits. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Apply Online or Over the Phone: You can submit your Universal Credit claim online through the official government website. Alternatively, you can call the Universal Credit Migration Notice helpline at 0800 169 0328 for assistance with your application.
2. Seek Assistance if Needed: If you’re unsure about the application process or need guidance, reach out to your local Job Centre for support.
3. Prepare for a Five-Week Wait: After submitting your claim, there will typically be a five-week wait until your first Universal Credit payment. Plan your finances accordingly during this period.
4. Check How You’re Affected: Use online benefits calculators such as the Policy in Practice calculator, entitledto calculator, or Turn2us calculator to see how transitioning to Universal Credit will impact your benefits. These tools can help you understand any top-up payments available if you’ll be worse off under Universal Credit.

Which Benefits Are Affected and When?

The transition is being phased in stages. This month, it’s Housing Benefit recipients who are affected. In July, those on Employment Support Allowance (ESA) who also receive Child Tax Credits will receive their migration notices. The process continues with Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) recipients in September and other groups in subsequent phases.

Why Is This Happening?

The DWP is phasing out legacy benefits to streamline the benefits system and ensure a more unified approach through Universal Credit. This transition was initially set to conclude by 2028 but has been accelerated to complete all migration notices by the end of December 2025.

Stay Informed

Stay tuned for updates and ensure you act promptly upon receiving your migration letter. Remember, our team at Caridon Foundation is here to support you through this transition. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Managing your benefits is an important part of ensuring financial stability. By staying informed and proactive, you can navigate this change smoothly and continue to receive the support you need. We’re here to help every step of the way.

For more information and updates, visit the official DWP website or contact us directly at Caridon Foundation. Together, we can navigate these changes and ensure your welfare remains a priority.

The post Important Update for Tenants: Transitioning from Housing Benefit to Universal Credit appeared first on Caridon Foundation.

This event serves as a key fixture in Caridon Foundation’s event calendar and commitment to raising awareness for mental health, coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Week from 13th to 19^th May 2024. Aligned with this year’s theme, “Movement: Moving for our mental health,” as advocated by the Mental Health Foundation, Caridon Foundation’s initiative emphasises the crucial role physical activity plays in promoting mental well-being.

In conjunction with the event, Caridon Foundation will outfit all staff members with green t-shirts as part of the “wear it green” initiative, symbolising solidarity and support for mental health awareness.

Operating within communities where individuals face various social disadvantages, including mental health challenges, Caridon Foundation provides essential services aimed at sustaining tenancies and offering comprehensive support. These services encompass preventing eviction, enhancing financial management skills, fostering independence, and facilitating long-term support access, ultimately enabling tenants to maintain residence and transition to sustainable housing options.

Recognising the profound impact physical well-being exerts on mental health, Caridon Foundation established the Caridon Foundation Eagles, an adult mental health football team in Croydon. With weekly coaching sessions conducted by Palace for Life, this initiative provides tenants with a safe and supportive environment to engage in physical activity and forge meaningful connections within a like-minded community. One member of Caridon Foundation Eagles recently said “Caridon Foundation has given me so much amazing support with our mental health football team. Every week they provide food, drink, a listening ear and emotional support. Caridon offers a safe space for everyone to feel comfortable and be themselves.”

Mario Carrozzo, the founder of Caridon Foundation, stresses the transformative influence of sports on mental well-being. He states, “For those grappling with mental health challenges, acknowledging and seeking assistance can be daunting, particularly for individuals lacking a support network. Through sports, our tenants have discovered a sense of community, and we witness firsthand the positive impact it has on their mental well-being and ability to cope with the every day stresses. By sharing their stories, we aspire to inspire others to prioritise their mental health and seek positive change.”

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At Caridon Foundation, we refuse to accept these statistics as inevitable. Instead, we are committed to taking proactive measures to mitigate risks and potentially save lives in the future. That’s why, in collaboration with Bleed Contoel Kits, we are reaching out to local bus companies regarding an important scheme we are looking to pilot in Croydon.

Our proposal is simple yet potentially life-saving: to place bleed control kits on the bus routes that Elianne traveled along. These kits, designed to provide immediate first aid to individuals suffering from catastrophic bleeding, can make a crucial difference in critical moments, such as the ones Elianne faced. By making these kits publicly accessible on buses, public transport stations, and in major shopping centers, pubs, and clubs, we aim to empower bystanders to administer crucial aid before professional medical help arrives.

To bring this initiative to fruition, we are collaborating with Bleed Control Kits, a company specializing in emergency medical supplies. Together, we believe that starting in Croydon, where this tragic incident occurred and where our head office is, would be a meaningful first step in improving public safety in the area.

But our efforts don’t stop there. We are also advocating for First Aid Training for bus drivers, incorporating catastrophic bleeding control as a mandatory element of their training. Equipping drivers with the necessary skills and knowledge can significantly enhance their ability to respond effectively in emergency situations, further bolstering the safety of public transportation.

We have invited several local bus companies to join us in this endeavour by participating in our pilot scheme and helping to make Croydon’s public transportation system safer for everyone.

We will update with more information on this scheme in due course.

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In response to the budget, Sherrelle Collman, Managing Director of Caridon Foundation, expressed her support for the measures implemented:

“As the Managing Director of Caridon Foundation, I commend the government’s decision to double the repayment period for budgeting advances for those on universal credit from 12 months to 24 months. This move will undoubtedly provide much-needed relief to individuals and families facing financial hardship, allowing them more time to manage their repayments without undue stress.  The decision to abolish the £90 charge for a debt relief order is also a welcome one, as it will provide necessary assistance to thousands of families struggling with debt each year.

Finally, I want to highlight the importance of the government’s decision to extend the Household Support Fund (HSF) for an additional six months. This fund enables councils to provide crucial assistance to families through initiatives such as foodbanks, warm spaces, and food vouchers. This extension comes as a vital lifeline for countless individuals and families who rely on these essential services to meet their basic needs. It demonstrates a recognition of the ongoing challenges faced by many in our communities, particularly in light of the economic hardships exacerbated by the pandemic. However, its requirement also demonstrates there is still much work to be done to address the root causes of poverty and inequality in our society.

At Caridon Foundation, we understand first-hand the significance of programs like the HSF in providing immediate relief and support to those experiencing financial insecurity. We urge continued support for initiatives that prioritise the well-being of all members of society, especially those facing the greatest hardships.”

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Commenting on the importance of this funding, Sherrelle Collman, Managing Director of Caridon Foundation, emphasises, “This significant allocation of funds is a crucial step towards addressing the urgent issue of homelessness. By prioritizing long-term solutions and investing in local authorities, we are not only providing immediate relief for those sleeping rough but also laying the groundwork for sustainable support systems.”

Key beneficiaries of this funding include London boroughs such as Hammersmith, Lambeth, and Greenwich, which collectively received over £3 million. Additionally, Nottingham City Council, Bristol City Council, and Hastings & Eastbourne Borough Councils received substantial allocations to bolster their efforts in tackling rough sleeping.

This funding injection contributes to the Rough Sleeping Initiative, bringing the total funding to over £547 million. It is part of a comprehensive support package backed by over £2 billion of government funding over three years.  It encompass initiatives to assist individuals in finding employment, managing finances, and accessing essential healthcare services.

Recognising the heightened risk faced by rough sleepers during the winter period, an additional £4 million has been allocated to local authorities experiencing the most significant pressures in addressing rough sleeping across England.

To further support this initiative, the StreetLink campaign enables members of the public to alert local council outreach workers when they encounter someone sleeping rough. Simplified processes, facilitated by government investment, make it easier than ever for individuals to assist in connecting rough sleepers with essential services and safe accommodation. See more here: StreetLink – Connecting people sleeping rough to local services (thestreetlink.org.uk)

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In a poignant plea for change, former Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown has called on government urging for a comprehensive review of the Universal Credit system. Speaking to Sky News, Brown expressed deep concern over the escalating poverty levels in the UK, stressing that 2024 presents a critical challenge in addressing the pressing needs of the nation.

A Shocking Resurgence of Poverty

At Caridon Foundation we have seen first hand the rise in poverty post-pandemic. Recounting his upbringing in a mining town, Brown shared his disbelief at witnessing a resurgence of poverty that he thought had been eradicated. He highlighted distressing statistics, such as a million children without a bed of their own and two million families lacking essential appliances like cookers and washing machines. The grim reality extends further, with children unable to afford toothpaste, leaving them unable to maintain basic hygiene.

Universal Credit Under Scrutiny

The focal point of Brown’s call for action is Universal Credit, a system he deems as fundamentally flawed and in urgent need of review. He emphasised that the single person’s Universal Credit payment represents the lowest share of average earnings since the inception of the social security system. According to Brown, the government bears a duty to address the problematic aspects of Universal Credit through a thorough “root and branch” examination.  Over four million children in the country are currently living in poverty. Gordon Brown urged the government to acknowledge their responsibility and take immediate action to reform the system.

A Plea for Corporate Responsibility

We welcomed Mr Brown’s appeal to businesses, both large and small, to join the cause of alleviating poverty by supporting initiatives like “multi-banks”, these are similar to foodbanks, but also offer bedding, furniture and hygiene products. As highlighted, the heart-breaking reality is that some parents are finding themselves unable to afford to keep their children, resulting in emotional distress for both parents and children alike.

The DWP’s Response

In response to these concerns, a spokesperson for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) emphasised the government’s commitment to providing a safety net for millions. They asserted that work remains the best route out of poverty, with Universal Credit supporting families towards employment and greater financial independence. The DWP spokesperson also cited a significant reduction in absolute poverty since 2010, along with ongoing efforts to assist families with the rising cost of living.

A Call for Collective Action

Gordon Brown’s plea for a review of Universal Credit and increased efforts to combat poverty underscores the urgency of the situation. As we navigate the challenges of 2024, the need for collective action from both government and businesses becomes increasingly evident. It is a call to recognise the human impact of poverty and work collaboratively towards meaningful change for the benefit of the most vulnerable members of our society.

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The Local Housing Allowance rate, which supports individuals on housing benefits or Universal Credit in the private rental sector, has remained frozen in cash terms since 2020. Meanwhile, living costs, especially rents, have skyrocketed, posing a significant challenge for those reliant on benefits in the private rental sector. London Councils and Alma Economics have conducted an analysis revealing that the government’s freeze on the London Housing Allowance places up to 60,000 Londoners in jeopardy of homelessness.

According to a report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), rents for new lets have increased by more than a fifth since the housing allowance freeze. Private rental prices rose by 4.4% in the 12 months leading up to January 2023, making housing even less affordable for those on benefits.

The freeze on the housing allowance has resulted in a diminishing number of people on benefits who can afford to rent and a shrinking pool of landlords willing to let to tenants in receipt of housing benefit for fear of rent arrears.

According to the IFS, the proportion of new private rental properties considered affordable for those on benefits fell from 23% to 5% in just three years, exacerbating the struggle for affordable housing among low-income households.

Boosting housing benefits is essential to address the rising living costs, especially in the context of soaring rental prices. An increase in housing allowance would provide much-needed relief to individuals and families struggling to make ends meet.

We need an immediate government response to update the housing allowance in line with current market rents, preventing homelessness. As others have also pointed out, whilst we recognise that increasing the allowance incurs significant cost, this expense is incomparable to the short and long-term costs associated with homelessness which leads to extended stays in hospitals, prisons, or on the streets, incurring greater costs to the public purse.

The analysis by London Councils and Alma Economics estimates potential savings of £80 to £107 million per year, with broader social benefits, including healthcare and criminal justice savings, valued at £1.2 billion.

Boosting housing benefits, particularly by unfreezing the Local Housing Allowance, is a necessary step in mitigating the financial hardships faced by low-income families. By doing so, the government can demonstrate its commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and fostering a more inclusive and equitable society which aligns with the government’s commitment to ‘levelling up’.

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The latest payment will be the second of three payments throughout 2023 and into 2024 totalling up to £900 for those eligible and on means-tested benefits, such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit or Tax Credits. DWP will pay more than seven million households, and HMRC will follow with around 830,000 more, taking the total number of households eligible for the autumn cost of living payment to around eight million, the Government confirmed.

Who will get the £300 cost of living payment?

To receive the latest cost of living payment from HMRC, you need to have received a payment of Tax Credits for any day between August 18 and September 17. To be eligible for the £300 payment from DWP, you need to have been entitled to a payment for a qualifying benefit between August 18 and September 17, or a payment for an assessment period, ending between these dates.

Qualifying benefits for the cost of living payment are listed by DWP as the following:

• Universal Credit
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Income Support
• Working Tax Credit
• Child Tax Credit
• Pension Credit

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