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Frontier PR Working With The SEA Forum
Birmingham supported housing collective to increase market engagement
The SEA Forum has recruited specialist communications agency, Frontier PR, to give it a more influential voice on the future of supported exempt accommodation.
A collective of supported housing providers, The SEA Forum’s members consist of registered providers, managing agents directly delivering supported exempt housing, voluntary organisations and representatives from public bodies, all of which aim to raise the standard of exempt accommodation and resident support across the Birmingham City Region.
Founded in 2022, in response to the rapid growth of exempt accommodation across the city, The SEA Forum represent around 15% of Birmingham’s 33,000 exempt supported beds and meets regularly to discuss and share good practice.
As well as The Forum’s membership working together to maintain and improve their standards of accommodation, the collective also uses its knowledge and experience to influence practices and policy across the wider industry – such as the anticipated updates to the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act.
Supported accommodation is for people who need extra help to live independently, such as those experiencing or at risk of homelessness, fleeing domestic abuse, or managing mental health issues, addiction, or other support needs.
Supported exempt accommodation is not subject to the usual caps on housing benefit, so it allows residents to receive intensive levels of housing management and support.
The SEA Forum’s members embrace and champion Birmingham’s Supported Exempt Accommodation Quality Standards which have been developed by Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC) in partnership with Birmingham City Council.
“The Forum came together to agree a benchmark of good practice, and that’s been positive for our members, residents and local communities,” explains the Forum’s Chairperson, Jamie Pearson.
“But The SEA Forum should also have a voice on key industry issues and help ensure that accommodation and services are regulated and delivered effectively, so they are focused on positive outcomes for local people.”
Jamie concludes: “Frontier PR has a strong understanding of housing and the challenges we face in the supported exempt accommodation, and our members look forward to working with their team.”
David Innes-Edwards, Frontier PR said: “This is a pivotal time for the supported housing industry, as accommodation providers navigate a number of big challenges, including impending regulation.
“The SEA Forum clearly has a role to play in shaping the future of the industry in Birmingham and beyond, and we look forward to helping them achieve their communications goals.”
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