SmartMove - Who are we and what do we do?

Find out more about who we are, what we do and how you can help.

Calderdale SmartMove was established in 1998 as an 'add on' service to Calderdale Council. Twenty one years later and we're now a necessary service for those who need us. 

We support homeless and vulnerably housed individuals across Calderdale, whether that be someone who is sleeping rough, a family with children who can't afford to make their next rent payment, or someone fleeing from an abusive relationship. Being vulnerably housed can, and does, affect more of us than you might think. Figures from Shelter show that one in three families are just one month's pay away from being homeless in the event of job loss. That's 37% of us. 

Calderdale SmartMove can help. We start by sourcing safe and secure accommodation for an individual or family. We then find the items that individual will need to make their house a home. A sofa to sit on, a bed to sleep in, curtains, cutlery, pots, pans, cleaning products, food, a toaster and a microwave. We provide all the support necessary to move and settle that person in.  

We then provide the support needed to sort out finances, benefits and utilities. We help with the appropriate claims and then budgeting going forward. Our amazing team of Support Workers then visit that client each week, or more often if necessary, for a period of 12 months to make sure they're coping and that they can manage their own tenancy. We have a 96% success rate, with clients being able to remain in their tenancies after this 12 month period and going on to lead happy and fulfilled lives. 

We also offer learning support to our clients by way of SmartSkills. The classes we run range from literacy, numeracy and computer skills, to money management, positive parenting and healthy living. We have a dedicated learning zone with internet and computer access with a range of multimedia activities. These services are available to all of our clients. 

Whilst we do receive a grant from Calderdale Council to carry out our necessary work, the things we do on top which makes our service special, for example the provision of food, furniture, learning support and household items, all has to be paid for by fundraising. We therefore have a dedicated fundraising and marketing team who work to raise the £120,000.00 each year we need to keep offering these life changing services. 

How can you help? 

Our volunteers are priceless to us. We simply couldn't carry out the same level of work without them. From baking for fundraising events, to delivering furniture for clients, to organising databases - we have volunteers working at each level of the organisation. We would welcome help of any level and in every area. Please visit the volunteering section to find out more. 

If you'd like to donate or get involved with fundraising - please see the 'Donate' section of this website, or email beth@calderdalesmartmove.org.uk.