Many people from black and minority ethnic (BME) communities face major barriers when accessing housing advice, according to new research published by Shelter.

Shelter's report 'The Advice Gap' shows how language and trust barriers can prevent BME communities from accessing the expert help they need, even though BME households are more likely to suffer homelessness or live in bad housing.

Shelter has launched a new centre in Stratford, East London, to overcome these obstacles by providing multi-lingual advice at the heart of communities. The service is targeted at people from BME communities living in the London boroughs of Newham, Tower Hamlets and Hackney.

Adam Sampson, chief executive of Shelter, said: "People from BME households are more than twice as likely as white British households to become homeless and more than six times as likely to live in overcrowded conditions, but our research shows they are less likely to get expert housing advice.

"Shelter's new service is working to overcome the barriers to people accessing the right guidance by providing advice in languages including Bengali and delivering services in accessible places where people feel comfortable."

To make an appointment at the Shelter Housing Advice and Support Centre call 020 7505 2216, or drop in weekdays up to 5pm at Burford Business Centre, 11 Burford Road, Stratford.

From: BME communities 'face major barriers' on housing issues, 24Dash, 19 1 07

Source: Housing advice