For those who could not attend, here are ways to contact our key stakeholders from the evening:
Housing Rights
As well as providing a stand, Housing Rights delivered short information sessions. Eamonn, the facilitator specialises in housing relating to young people, with student issues being one of the areas of expertise. He included information on the most common issues facing students:
- Leaving tenancies early - options available where students want to leave private tenancies before the fixed term has expired
- Harassment and illegal eviction - the rights students have re illegal eviction and harassment from their landlord/estate agent while in a private tenancy
- Deposit tips/ disputes - e.g., registered with TDS vs not registered and options available
- Repairs - obligations on students/landlords for repairs
Questions about Landlord contracts featured heavily on the night. If you are considering signing a contract but are unsure of some of the conditions, Housing Rights can be contacted to talk you through it and offer advice. Their website link is below:
Housing for students | Housing Advice NI
Belfast City Council – HMO Unit
If you’re thinking of renting an HMO (the main home of three or more people who are from more than two households), you should check that the property is licensed as a HMO and that it complies with the legislation. It should be safe, good quality, and have suitable facilities for the number of people living there. For more information, check out the website:
Houses in Multiple Occupation (belfastcity.gov.uk)
SU Volunteers
SU Volunteering were on hand to provide information about their Handy Helpers programme and other initiatives that work to bring students together with the local community. They regularly organise events and activities to promote the 5 steps to wellbeing- Connect, Give Back, Stay Active, Learn New Skills and Pay Attention.
The SU Volunteers have now taken ownership of a new 'Chatty Bench' which will be featuring in future initiatives and events.
Queen’s Student Wellbeing
We recognise that being a student and living independently isn’t always easy. As you progress through your journey here at Queen’s, the changes and challenges you experience can affect you differently, and that’s OK. We have a highly trained and dedicated team of Disability and Wellbeing Advisors who can offer a range of support to students at any stage, in a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space. You can contact our Student Wellbeing team at any time throughout the academic year, and no registration is necessary. All our support services are free of charge and open to all Queen’s students at all levels.
SU Advice
SU Advice is a Queen’s Students’ Union service which provides confidential and impartial advice and guidance for all Queen’s students on a wide range of student issues, including private and University accommodation matters such as checking tenancy agreements, repair issues, ending a tenancy early and deposit schemes. Advice is also provided on developing good money management and budgeting skills; something which is really important when moving into rented accommodation.
SOS Bus
SOS Bus is a Volunteer centred charity that provides Safe Spaces in Belfast City Centre for anyone who is vulnerable or in need. Our trained Volunteers provide welfare and medical support to people who have become vulnerable through alcohol/drugs, those who suffer with poor mental health or suicidal thoughts, individuals experiencing or who are at risk of homelessness, anyone in fear of violence or of no way home. We work in partnership with the Police, NI Ambulance Service and other charitable organisations to ensure a safe and inclusive city centre for everyone.
