News

We have been running our under 30s service, which helps young people manage their finances and improve their wellbeing service, with National Lottery funding since 2022. The service supports social housing tenants aged 18-30 who are often at risk of homelessness, with budgeting, skills development and tenancy advice.

The National Lottery funding will enable us to extend the service to Winchester, supporting more than 500 young people over the next three years.

The National Lottery Community Fund distributes around £500m a year to communities across the UK.

Dawn Wightman, Director of Customer and Communities at A2Dominion, said: “We’re grateful for the funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, which allows us to support our younger customers with things like budgeting, household bills and opportunities to upskill or find employment.

“Younger residents often have less experience managing their tenancies and finances, and many have been hit harder by rises to the cost of living. We want to help by giving them the knowledge and tools they need to be independent in their own homes.”

Helen Bushell, Head of Regional Funding for London, the South East and East of England at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “Supporting children and young people to thrive is one of our four community-led missions, and we’re particularly committed to helping those most affected by poverty, disadvantage or discrimination.

“Thanks to National Lottery players, we’re delighted to continue supporting A2Dominion’s vital work, which gives young people the skills to take on some of the most difficult transitions of their life.”

Impact so far

• 330 young people supported over 2,053 one-on-one sessions
• £549,029 in added social value for Spelthorne.

Supporting one young customer to get funding and stay in her home

We supported Miss C following a referral from Spelthorne Council as she was at risk of homelessness due to rent arrears and other debts. As she is under 25, she receives lower benefits and was hit by the benefit cap due to high rent costs, leaving her struggling to pay rent, bills, and buy food.

Raycyne Cummings, A2Dominion’s Specialist Under 30s Tenancy Sustainment Officer helped her apply for benefits, including Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and the Discretionary Housing Payment, which meant she cleared her rent arrears and was no longer affected by the rent cap.

Miss C also received supermarket and energy vouchers, and Raycyne arranged mental health support for her. Raycyne also helped her get support to pay off her Council Tax debt, enabling her to renew her tenancy and keep her home. In total the support Miss C received increased her monthly income by over £900.

Raycyne has provided ongoing support to Miss C, and said: “Without this support, Miss C would have faced eviction and homelessness with her two children, aged 4 and 1.

“The Under 30s project doesn’t just prevent homelessness—it also tackles the client’s overall financial situation to help them achieve a better quality of life.”

If you are under 30, living in social housing in Spelthorne or Winchester and need support with budgeting, jobs, or wellbeing, you can email money.matters@a2dominion.co.uk for advice.