CHAC Event - Preventing Homelessness in the Canterbury District

On 7th October we were delighted to welcome Local Organisations, City Councillors and Canterbury City Council staff to our presentation event where we spoke about our work in general and over the past year. Chair of Trustees, John Wightman explained how we focus on preventing homelessness and as such are less visible than other homelessness services (eg for rough sleepers); ‘a ‘cinderella’ service’. Our clients tend to be housed but often precariously or vulnerable to eviction. Our Manager and Casework Supervisor, Paul Wilkinson talked through some case studies to bring our work to life.

Paul Wilkinson, CHAC Manager & Casework Supervisor

We explained how we provide free housing advice, assistance, negotiation, advocacy and representation on a wide range of housing issues and problems including homelessness, accessing accommodation in private, voluntary and social sectors, repossession, landlord/tenant issues and housing costs.

We heard from Viv Gambling, Solicitor from the Kent Law Clinic and CHAC Trustee about the effects of homelessness, especially on children living in temporary accommodation.

Viv Gambling, Kent Law Clinic and CHAC Trustee

Pip Hazelton, Canterbury City Councillor and Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning gave us an overview of housing in the Canterbury District.

Stats about our work were discussed, such as how demand for our service has doubled in 10 years. More detailed information can be found in our Annual Report 2025-26 on our Publications Page.

Thanks to everyone who came to hear about us, our speakers and those who worked behind the scenes including Canterbury Homeless Outreach who volunteered some time to help out on the day.