HOUSING association residents in Basingstoke will be able to get advice and support on a range of housing, employment and financial issues at a special event next week.

The event, which is being organised by Sovereign Housing Association, will take place on Monday, December 1 between 3.30pm and 7pm at the Westside Community Centre, in Paddock Road, South Ham.

Residents who are overcrowded or under-occupied in their home or who want to move to a different area may find that a mutual exchange is the quickest way to find their ideal home.

These residents, including those who have been affected by the “bedroom tax” can come along and speak to teams of specially trained staff.

The event is free of charge and all housing association tenants across Basingstoke are welcome.

Other partners who will be at the event include Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Homeswapper.

Sovereign tenancy support advisor, Geoff Baker, said: “Welfare reforms have had a huge impact on some of our residents, leaving some unable to afford their homes, forcing them to downsize, take on a lodger or rethink their budgets.

“It’s important that we try and help our residents who have decided to keep their homes rather than downsizing by offering help with training and employment opportunities and how to make the most of their income through budgeting.

“For those residents who are not able to keep their homes, perhaps because they can’t find the extra income, this mutual exchange event might help them find a new, more affordable home.”

He added: “We hope to have residents with homes of all sizes and types attending the event and we will be helping them sign up to the HomeSwapper website, advising residents on best practice on the website and other re-housing options open to them too.”

Residents who are unable to attend can call Sovereign on 0800 988 4858 for help and advice on their re-housing options.