1st September 2022
Sanctuary Scotland
Our Community Connector Robert Mullen has made a massive impact in the Toryglen area of Glasgow since he joined Sanctuary last year.
Robert has helped more than 55 local residents to manage issues which – until his involvement – had put their tenancy at risk.
Robert said: “We want our residents to be happy in their homes, not an empty property when things go wrong.
“There’s always a reason why people go into arrears. I get to know them and take the time to help them try to fix the problem.”
Robert worked with one resident who hadn’t left their flat for two years.
Robert said: “We took small steps and, after a number of weeks, we got the result we both wanted.
“I was so happy they could spend a couple of hours at the local Cornerstone hall and meet others in this community.”
Robert’s helped residents whose housing benefit was paid into their bank account, and mistakenly spent on things other than rent, by arranging for payments to go to us directly.
Kindness, Respect, Integrity, Empathy and Trust are his five non-negotiable values.
Robert added: “Nobody wakes up one morning and decides not to pay their rent. There’s always a back story.
“Sometimes it’s mental health – a person could be dealing with trauma from their past. Some struggle with responsibility, or self-medicate with drugs and alcohol. The last thing I want to do is make things worse.
“I’m glad to be able to help tenants to tackle rent arrears and ultimately reduce and remove the need for costly and traumatic evictions.”
