At its core, HOOP is a questionnaire that encourages the user to think about their home and how they live in it. It covers nine main topic areas and has been dubbed by recent partners as a ‘Housing MOT’ for its role in helping people check that their home is still fit for purpose.

Since the first online version of HOOP in 1998, there have been significant re-designs and developments to core features in 2002, 2010 and 2015, with the most significant enhancements and investment occurring within the last 18 months.

We now aim to continue developing HOOP by working in partnership with local organisations that want to provide information and advice to their clients in an innovative and effective way.

Recent developments

Users of self-help tools expect access to bespoke, localised, information about the support and services that are available to them. HOOP now matches users with the services, accommodation and publications that are local to them. We also work with local partners to provide bespoke suggestions that reflect the support services that are available to the user.

HOOP’s local content is currently best developed in the following areas where we have local partners:

• Bexley (with LB Bexley)
• Bradford (with Hanover)
• Cambridgeshire (With Cambs County Council)
• Manchester (with Northwards Housing)
• Newcastle City Council (with Care & Repair Newcastle)

Supporting the online HOOP tool is our national advice service. Whether it is a case of simply signposting, or working through each housing option with a client, our advisors can give the client the support they require to improve their living situation.

How can HOOP help you and your clients?

Whilst every organisation has a different set of aims and priorities, depending on political and practical pressures, there are many ways in which HOOP can assist. Examples might include:

• Meeting information and advice obligations
• Helping to prevent and delay reliance on health and social care services
• A key component of an Older Person’s Housing Strategy
• Helping to maintain tenancies
• Supporting home owners to live safely and well at home
• Encouraging users to explore other housing options

Key HOOP statistics

Statistics from Google Analytics and Customer Surveys:

• Almost 10,000 people used the new local HOOP in the last six months
• Over 80% of HOOP users would consider suggesting HOOP to a friend of family member
• Almost 70% of users who were examining issues with their home found that HOOP gave them all the information they required

Want to find out more?

Contact us to request a HOOP introduction pack, which provides more information on the processes and costs involved in developing a local HOOP tool.

Adam Hillier (Development)
adam.hillier@eac.org.uk

John Galvin
john.galvin@eac.org.uk