Caridon’s response to articles published in the Guardian on Thursday 25th February 2021

We are aware that the journalist gained unauthorised access to Imperial Apartments in Bristol twice in November 2020 – view the apartments here. He did not make Caridon aware of this visit, was irresponsible given COVID-19 restrictions and caused distress to our tenants. Caridon has always co-operated with the media and would have been happy to facilitate his visit to demonstrate some of the success stories where people have managed to turn their lives around as a direct result of the accommodation and support provided by Caridon. The journalist has chosen not to include any of the positive testimonials he received on his visits.

Caridon provides housing for working professional tenants as well as those in receipt of Universal Credit in a variety of different properties which we own and lease. Caridon is able to help and house a large number of people, referred from local government and the third sector. Many of our tenants have struggled to secure accommodation and were previously living in emergency shared or temporary accommodation, hostels, or even homeless and relying on night shelters.

Caridon’s brand-new self-contained properties provide modern, secure accommodation with a bathroom, kitchen and sleeping area. All of our developments have communal cleaners, security and onsite office staff. They are designed as a stepping-stone for people to move on from difficult circumstances.

We recognise the challenges with having a high concentration of vulnerable people in one place. We carefully consider the mental health and well-being of referrals and all tenants are assessed to ensure they are able to live independently. Caridon also partners with local charities and support networks to provide additional support to tenants.

We have evolved our model to include more indoor and outdoor breakout spaces, including on-site gyms, IT facilities, media rooms, playgrounds and gardens as well as more co-ordinated community activities. We see success stories of tenants getting back into employment, building meaningful relationships, and overcoming addictions.

Caridon believes Permitted Development Rights (PDRs) have saved many in the UK from homelessness by increasing the provision of accommodation. Our service has been particularly vital during the pandemic, helping to transition people out of shared accommodation due to increased risk of catching COVID-19 and into self-contained accommodation. In addition, our staff have gone above and beyond to safeguard the physical and mental wellbeing of our tenants during this difficult time, delivering food parcels and providing access to 24-hour support.

Caridon is proud of the service we provide to the most vulnerable in society.