A scheme helping city folk find permanent housing has been considered so successful that it has been extended for two years.

The project – called Interact – is being run by Citizens Advice, Age UK, OneNorwich, Norwich City Council and Norfolk County Council.

It has been set up to provide support for those with “complex health issues” to navigate the “difficult housing system” and find suitable homes based on their needs.

The scheme, which has had 370 referrals since starting in April 2022, has been extended until April 2026.   

To help cover the cost of the extension, Norwich City Council has added to the funding but has not said how much money has been given. 

Norwich Evening News: Rachel Omori and Amaryllis Macy, who are both part of the Interact schemeRachel Omori and Amaryllis Macy, who are both part of the Interact scheme (Image: Norwich City Council)

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Rachel Omori, independent living manager, said: "The housing system is difficult to navigate and understand at the best of times, let alone anyone with complex health issues.

"This service puts everything together and gives control back to the customer, helping them set up and have that long-term security they might not have had before."

Amaryllis Macy, Interact team coordinator, recalls a case of a father with a declining health condition benefitting from the service.

Norwich Evening News: The Interact scheme works with those with complex health needs find a suitable home based on their needsThe Interact scheme works with those with complex health needs find a suitable home based on their needs (Image: Archant)

She said: "He needed to be moved into a bungalow because of his declining health and the need for a wheelchair at all times.

"But with a complex background of rent arrears, difficulty understanding the system and his current property in a poor condition, he couldn't find a suitable property.

"We managed to build up some trust with him and now he's in a suitable place that's in the catchment area for his children's schools and funding to clear his arrears."

The single father said: "I'd been trying to navigate the housing system for two years.

"I couldn't have done it without the scheme - it's been such a big help.

"I'm over the moon with how things have turned out.

Norwich Evening News: The Interact scheme is based inside Norwich City Hall, next to the marketThe Interact scheme is based inside Norwich City Hall, next to the market (Image: Denise Bradley/Newsquest)

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"This has given me and the boys a fresh start and we're already happy here."

Rachel added: "It's life changing - not only for him, but for his children too - they now have a forever property."