The Housing Options Team at Dorset Council have recently extended their services to include face-to-face pre-booked appointments across the county.
The sessions will enhance ways in which customers can access their services. This is on top of the popular telephone and email service that already exists.
The first of these took place on 3 July at Wimborne Library. The sessions, will take place at a different location each weekday between 10am and 4pm, including libraries in Dorchester, Wareham, Weymouth, Bridport and at Nordon Lodge in Blandford.
The public will need to book the appointment in advance with housing officers if they need to meet in person.
Anyone that needs advice about the housing register or to upload documents will continue to speak to customer services.
The extension into the community came about through a consultation on digital transformation and the need to reach out to people in respect of their housing.
Graham Carr Jones- Lead Member for Housing said, “Since Covid – 19 people have relied on telephone interviews and for some this will continue to be the preferred option; however, we’re giving people the option to be seen in person which might work better in some cases for clients and for housing officers alike.
We’ve listened to what people were saying on the matter and as soon as it was practical and safe to do so, we started to plan this return to face to face contact. We all know the value of human interaction following the pandemic and given the current pressures we know people are facing at the moment.”
People can still call us on 01305 221000 or email housinghelp@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk if they want help, are faced with homelessness or need advice and support regarding a housing matter.
All locations will follow the latest COVID-19 guidelines and social distancing measures to ensure customers are kept safe.
These sessions are held at our Customer Access Point locations:
Monday – Wimborne Library (Bridport Library– first Monday of the month).
Tues – Dorchester Library
Wed – Blandford (Nordon Lodge)
Thurs – Wareham Library
Fri – Weymouth Library
Veterans -TBC (Wed)
Lantern – TBC (Tues)
Anyone in need of housing advice or support can visit us at these locations : Our offices – Dorset Council
