Helping People Make a Fresh Start

Spelthorne Rentstart is a charity dedicated to transforming the lives of homeless and vulnerable people in Spelthorne. Since 1997, we’ve provided guidance and practical assistance to individuals facing housing insecurity, helping them find stability, dignity and hope.

With homelessness rising, our work is more critical than ever. We believe everyone deserves a safe place to call home.

Our Mission

Our mission is to combat homelessness by assisting single people and childless couples in Spelthorne Borough who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, to access accommodation in the private rented sector.

Get Help

If you’re facing homelessness or need support with housing, our friendly team can help you to secure private rented accommodation and maintain a stable tenancy.

Landlords

Interested in renting to reliable tenants while making a positive impact?

Our Deposit Guarantee Scheme, Rent in Advance and ongoing tenancy support make partnering with Spelthorne Rentstart easy, safe and rewarding.

Tenants

We provide a holistic service designed to help you not only secure a home but also build a stable future. We collaborate with local partners to provide a full range of support, including assistance with employment and training opportunities, claiming benefits, foodbank referral and access to other essential services.

Get Involved

Volunteering Opportunities

Help us provide critical support and community connections.

Donate

your contribution goes directly towards housing solutions, financial assistance and personalised support.

Fundraise with Us

join us in raising awareness and funds to support our mission.

Partner With Us

we welcome support from businesses and community groups to expand our reach and resources.

“Honestly do not know what I would have done without you. I was just so fed up with sleeping in the van but thank you to you guys for all that you have done. I am so grateful and would be absolutely nowhere without you.”

– Daniel (Client)

Our Year in Numbers 2024

353

Assisted 353 new clients with advice and guidance so they could take steps independently to improve their situation.
(242 from council / 111 from other sources)

242

242 clients referred by Spelthorne Borough Council and 100% assessed within 5 working days.

111

A further 111 referred by other routes – self-referred, family or friends, Staines Job Centre Plus, The White House, Citizens Advice, Probation Officers

4,612+

Organised and performed 4,612 support calls, involving 617 clients

224

224 current live tenancies all receiving support

77

Directly assisted 77 clients into accommodation, giving them a secure base from which to take steps towards making positive life changes

119

119 clients housed with a deposit bond with a total value of £91,500

105

105 housed without a bond

23

23 deposit bonds issued this year

5

Only 5 claims on deposit bonds this year, totalling £2,770

How We Can Help

Applications for Housing Benefit & Universal Credit

We assist clients with applications for Housing Benefit, Universal Credit and other entitlements, helping them fill in forms, navigate the system and resolve issues.

free advice & support

We offer free advice and support to both clients and landlords, aiming to help maintain and sustain tenancies. This guidance helps foster positive relationships and prevent problems that could lead to tenancy breakdown.

Food Parcels

To help individuals facing immediate financial hardship, we act as a drop off point for food parcels, ensuring that clients with no fixed address have access to basic necessities during critical times.

Deposit Guarantee Scheme

At the core of our service is the Deposit Guarantee Scheme, which eliminates the need for clients to provide a cash deposit. In the event of a default or damage, the scheme will cover the costs. Additionally, when required, we can provide immediate Rent In Advance payments, ensuring that clients can secure housing as quickly as possible.

Community Support and Partnership

At Spelthorne Rentstart, we recognise the vital role that our local community and ecosystem of partners play in supporting those in need.

Our strong connections and partnerships allow us to offer a comprehensive approach to improving lives, helping individuals build resilience and access a range of services to aid their journey towards stability and independence.

By working closely with food banks, mental health services, addiction support and employment centres, we provide a holistic service that goes beyond housing.

This network ensures our clients have access to continued support, showing them that the community truly cares.