Title

Date

Start Time

Duration

Preventing debt and homelessness this winter: impact case studies from leading organisations Record levels of temporary accommodation, rising arrears and deepening financial vulnerability are driving more people towards homelessness this winter. Many are already in debt or at risk of falling into it, yet millions of people across the UK are not receiving the support they are entitled to.

Frontline services are under immense pressure. Local authorities are working with shrinking budgets, while financial organisations are managing increased risk and exploring ways to support vulnerable customers more effectively.

The webinar will focus on how councils, third-party organisations and financial institutions such as Nationwide are using data and proactive support to prevent households from reaching crisis point.

Speakers will include:
- Glyn Ashman from the London Borough of Hackney who will discuss the council’s campaign to support residents in temporary housing who are in arrears
- Ian Cheatle from Nationwide, who is the first financial services provider to launch a free telephone benefits calculator service, helping people understand and claim the support they are entitled to while tackling digital exclusion

By acting earlier, organisations can reduce harm and deliver better outcomes for customers, residents and communities.

Join us to hear:
• How organisations are using data to identify households at risk of debt or homelessness before crisis hits
• How proactive support can help people access the financial support they’re entitled to and improve resilience
• Examples of prevention campaigns and pilots demonstrating measurable impact for both residents and customers

26/11/2025

10:30am GMT

1.3 hours

Review of 2025 in policy and practice: From data to impact As 2025 draws to a close, join us as we review the policy developments, sector wide challenges and practical successes that have shaped the past year.

From rising arrears and shrinking local budgets to major reforms to disability benefits and the continued impact of the cost of living crisis, 2025 has brought fresh pressure on low income households and the organisations that support them.

At the same time, many councils, housing providers, utilities and charities have stepped up with data-led approaches to drive targeted support, often against the odds.

We’ll revisit the key policy changes that defined the year and share insights from our work with partners across sectors.

We’ll also highlight findings from our landmark analysis of Council Tax Reduction schemes, which revealed worrying trends but also pointed the way toward more effective, fairer support for households struggling with arrears.

Through case studies, data and real world examples, we’ll celebrate the tangible impact our clients have had in their communities and look ahead to what 2026 may bring.

Join us to:

- Explore the key policy developments and sector challenges that shaped 2025
- Hear highlights from our work on Council Tax Reduction, unclaimed support and safeguarding
- Hear inspiring case studies from organisations that used data to drive impact in 2025, and what they see in store for 2026

10/12/2025

10:30am GMT

1.3 hours

Overcoming the data disconnect in safeguarding Too often, vulnerable people are only identified when it is already too late. Safeguarding professionals are forced to make decisions with only part of the picture, as crucial information is spread across disconnected services and systems. This makes it harder to spot risks, see patterns or act early, leading to delayed or inappropriate support.

In this webinar, we’ll explore how councils and safeguarding partners are tackling this challenge by improving the way data is shared and used. You’ll hear about practical approaches to using daily, structured data feeds to inform decisions, identify concerns earlier and support coordinated prevention work across teams.

We’ll also look at real life examples of how better access to safeguarding data is already helping professionals to take timely, more targeted action, and how they are beginning to evidence impact.

28/1/2026

10:30am GMT

1.3 hours

St Helen’s increases Healthy Start take up, delivering £15,800 in support to families

Figures correct as at December 2024

In St Helen's we want to make sure all who qualify for the Healthy Start scheme get it and don’t miss out as it provides extra money to buy healthy food and milk and get free vitamins. Sadly, following on from the pandemic, eating healthy has become even more difficult as some healthy foods have gone up in price. Eating healthy can make a big difference to our health, everything from helping bones to grow strong, to our skin and hair, helping our energy levels and mental health and having a strong immune system. I am really pleased that since we have been able to write out to those who are eligible but have not yet claimed and by being able to promote it on social media and proactively support parents to sign up to the scheme we have seen an increase in applications; especially at this time of year – every little bit helps!

St Helens Council partnered with Policy in Practice in July 2024 to address food insecurity by increasing Healthy Start take up. Using the Low Income Family Tracker (LIFT) platform, they identified 700 eligible households and implemented a campaign including letters, social media and targeted advertisements.

From July to October, Healthy Start take up grew by 2.9% in St Helens, compared to a 1.4%
decline elsewhere. The campaign will deliver £15,830 to 44 households in its first year.

With consistent take up, families could receive over £18,750 in benefits by the time their child turns four, easing financial pressures and addressing food insecurity.

This project demonstrates the power of proactive use of administrative data, setting the standard for regional take up campaigns.

What challenge(s) have you faced this past year?

The council has faced rising food insecurity and financial hardship among families, compounded by low awareness of Healthy Start benefits. These challenges demanded a proactive and data-driven approach to reach vulnerable households effectively.

What led you to choose Policy in Practice’s product to address your challenges?

LIFT enabled the identification of eligible households, facilitating a targeted campaign that combined digital and traditional communication methods to raise awareness about Healthy Start benefits.

What success have you had, or expect to have, as a result of using your Policy in Practice product?

From July to October 2024, take up in St Helens grew by 2.9%, while neighbouring boroughs saw a decline. The initiative ensures vital financial support reaches families in need, demonstrating the impact of data driven outreach.

Want to know more about what St. Helen's Council did?

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