Resurgam Community-Led Housing Model (CLHM) was developed through a long-standing collaboration between Lisburn Community Self Build and Resurgam Trust. Over the past 25 years, both organisations have championed community housing models, working alongside housing providers to promote community wealth building and asset-based development.
The Department for Communities has supported this journey through a range of initiatives focused on social and affordable housing, while engagement with key stakeholders—including the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) and Housing Associations—has helped to shape investment and delivery.
Resurgam Trust’s CLHM currently operates across two locations in Lisburn, with oversight and management provided by NIHE:
- Welcome House – 5 units delivered in partnership with MACS, supporting young people transitioning from homelessness and care systems.
- Chapel Hill Mews – 15 units delivered in partnership with Radius Housing, supporting adults at risk of homelessness.
Central to the model is a ‘no wrong door’ approach, ensuring that all individuals referred into the service receive the support they need to thrive. The Chapel Hill Mews model, in particular, has demonstrated strong potential for replication.
Initially launched in September 2023 with 10 units, Chapel Hill Mews has expanded to 15 apartments over three years. Delivered in partnership with Radius Housing and supported by NIHE, the scheme provides high-quality accommodation and tailored support for designated referral groups.
With strategic oversight from NIHE, Radius Housing has played a key role in pioneering this community-based model, aligning with the objectives of NIHE’s Homelessness Strategy 2022–2027, including:
- Prioritising homelessness prevention
- Providing settled, appropriate accommodation with support
- Supporting the transition from homelessness into sustainable tenancies
The partnership is underpinned by the following key objectives:
- 1. Provide accommodation that enables individuals to develop long-term tenancy management skills
- 2. Make effective use of vacant housing stock
- 3. Collaborate with local social enterprises within the Resurgam network to deliver shared strategic goals
- 4. Support the Housing Executive in delivering its Homelessness Strategy and Temporary Accommodation Action Plan (2022–2027)
The CLHM has been widely recognised as an innovative and effective approach. Senior stakeholders—including the Chief Executive of NIHE—have highlighted the importance and scalability of the model. It has also received recognition from Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council and local Neighbourhood Policing Teams for its positive impact on community safety, particularly in areas previously affected by anti-social behaviour.
There is growing interest from social housing providers in replicating this model across Northern Ireland.
Resurgam Trust delivers a comprehensive wrap-around support approach through services such as its Healthy Living Centre and Lisburn SAFE community safety initiatives. This integrated model ensures meaningful engagement, responsive support, and long-term positive outcomes for residents.
For more information please contact 02892670755 Option 4 or
email info@resurgamtrust.co.uk