Greenwich Council is looking for members of its Nepalese community to volunteer in a new project raising awareness of private sector housing issues.

The Live Well Community Champions will provide a link between the Council and existing and new migrant communities, enabling them to challenge rogue landlords by drawing attention to inadequate housing conditions.

Funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the project will focus on Nepalese families in multiple occupation properties, where the occupants do not form a single family and live typically in separate households with shared facilities.

Champions will receive comprehensive training from Royal Greenwich and ongoing support, as well as gain the opportunity to meet new people and learn new skills.

Cllr Averil Lekau, Cabinet Member for Adult’s Social Care and Health said: “Live Well champions are a strong network of local, knowledgeable volunteers who have been trained to offer signposting and support to promote good health in their communities.

"They are an asset in the community and use their experience, knowledge and skills to signpost the way to help people get the support they need to live well.”

Cllr Chris Kirby, Cabinet Member for Housing added: “The private rented sector in Royal Greenwich continues to grow significantly and now accounts for 29% of housing tenures compared to 20% nationally.

"The Council has a statutory duty to ensure HMO properties and other types of private accommodation in the borough are safe and compliant with regulations. To address this, we are committed to engaging and working with private renters and landlords alike.”