The Scottish social enterprise lettings agency has been given the funding to roll out its successful social lettings model across Britain.

The award from The National Lottery Community Fund will allow HFG to expand and enhance the support it provides to its tenants and to help other UK organisations to develop a similar model.

The model is driven by social entrepreneur Susan Aktemel, based on her experience as a customer of private rental agencies, and her knowledge of the barriers vulnerable and low-income tenants face in the private rental market.

HFG welcome lived experience within their organisation, with over 50% of their staff having previously experienced poor conditions in privately rented homes. SImilarly, the successful support model was co-produced with tenants who have direct experience of insecure and low-quality rental housing.

HFG specialises in supporting people with limited housing choices including those who are homeless, on benefits or low incomes. It adopts a holistic approach to supporting tenants ranging from help with benefits claims, financial management and cooking, to applying for education and getting mental health support.

HFG works with a wide range of partner agencies including Ypeople, Simon Community, Glasgow City Mission and the Wise Group.

Homes for Good founding director, Susan Aktemel, said: “We realise a safe, secure home is fundamental to people’s lives and are delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised the wider potential of our approach, which focuses on creating high-quality, affordable homes for tenants and sound investments for landlords – a win-win situation. This funding will allow us to support even more tenants both in Scotland and throughout the UK.”

Homes for Good programme director, Karen Leigh Anderson, said: “We aim to work in partnership with a number of other organisations across the UK to replicate our tried and tested social letting and tenancy support model. The National Lottery funding will enable us to share our learning and provide ongoing support, including hosting study visits, coaching and mentoring.”

John Knights, senior head of UK portfolio at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “Homes for Good has developed a successful model to support vulnerable tenants across Scotland based on the insights of those tenants’ lived experience and by putting people in the lead. Now, thanks to National Lottery players, more people who are in need of a home across the UK will be able to access quality, secure housing.”