Wendy Abum

Referrals and Assessments Coordinator

Wendy has been working with Keystage since 2021.

In Wendy’s day-to-day role, she act as the central point of coordination for access to support schemes, ensuring that individuals receive the right assistance at the right time. She manages and processes all referrals from external agencies and local authorities on behalf of Keystage Housing. This includes making initial contact with applicants to gather detailed information about their needs and any associated risks, before arranging and directing them to the most appropriate schemes for support needs assessments.

She is responsible for accurately inputting and maintaining referral information on internal databases, ensuring that all records and documentation comply with organisational standards. Additionally, she monitor outcomes and collect feedback from assessments, using this information to carry out audits and produce structured reports in a timely manner.

In her time at Keystage, Wendy has already identified the struggles many of our service users have to go through to find accommodation. It became clear to her very quickly that moving on to independent living is a daunting prospect. “The Service Users I speak to are pitted against high rent costs, lack of available housing, and worries of landlords not wanting to take them on as tenants. They are shut out from many chances in life. With personal, financial, and social obstacles piled in front of them, many of those who come to us need that extra hand to help them gain their independence. We explore every option for them and we also go the extra mile to work in partnership with local councils, other housing providers and agencies to ensure that training, education, and housing are adequately provided.”

Her role has also helped Wendy herself progress, allowing her to further sharpen her ability to deal with very challenging and potentially violent situations calmly and confidently; with the sole purpose of ensuring they have the best possible platform to get ahead in life. “Our sole aim is to achieve effective outcomes. We also focus on providing those at our sites with empowerment. We do all we can to reduce their risk of becoming stuck, disheartened, and isolated by the challenges they face.”

Finally, on Keystage as a company to work for: “The company really encourages us to continually grow in our roles. It’s a harmonious environment to work in, where good working relationships exist.”