Ann Norris

Ann previously managed a project within a charity for 18 years in Knowsley.

Ann has an extensive background in managing and delivering essential community services aimed at supporting individuals and families facing significant challenges. Her experience spans across various domains, including housing, financial advice, tenancy support, advocacy, and mediation.

1. Housing and Money & Debt Advice Services

• Management Experience: Ann successfully managed comprehensive services that provided crucial support to individuals and families dealing with housing issues and financial difficulties. 
• Impact: Under her leadership, the services offered invaluable advice and practical solutions, helping clients navigate complex housing regulations, manage debts, and stabilise their financial situations.

2. Tenancy Support

• Holistic Support: Ann's tenancy support initiatives were designed to ensure clients could sustain their tenancies, providing guidance on everything from understanding tenancy agreements to resolving disputes with landlords.
• Preventing Homelessness: Her efforts significantly contributed to preventing homelessness by helping tenants address issues before they escalated.

3. Advocacy and Mediation

• Empowering Clients: Through advocacy, Ann empowered clients to assert their rights and access the services they needed. 
• Conflict Resolution: Her mediation services played a critical role in resolving conflicts amicably, fostering better relationships between tenants, landlords, and within the community.

4. Social Supermarket (Food Hub)

• Initiative and Execution: Ann established a social supermarket, widely known as a food hub, to address food insecurity among struggling families and individuals.
• Community Support: The food hub became a lifeline for many, offering affordable food options and reducing the financial strain on those hit hardest by the cost of living crisis.

• Addressing Barriers: Ann's commitment to her work is driven by a deep understanding of the barriers that people face, including financial hardship, housing instability, and social isolation.
• Responding to the Crisis: She has been particularly responsive to the recent cost of living crisis, recognising its severe impact on already vulnerable populations. Her services have been a crucial support system for those reaching their breaking points.
• Being There for People: Ann's philosophy is to provide a safety net for individuals when they have exhausted all other options. She aims to offer hope and practical assistance to those in dire need, ensuring no one has to face their challenges alone.

Ann's extensive experience and unwavering dedication have made a significant impact on the lives of many individuals and families. Her holistic approach to service delivery, combined with her proactive initiatives like the social supermarket, demonstrates her commitment to supporting her community through challenging times. Ann's work ensures that when people reach their breaking point, they have a reliable and compassionate ally to turn to.

Ann has embarked on a new career journey, one she has aspired to for many years. Throughout her career, she has identified significant gaps in services and resources, recognising the profound impact these deficiencies have on individuals and families. Along with her colleague Cheryl, who also brings extensive experience to the table, Ann has co-founded Merseyside Housing & Debt Advice CIC. This innovative service focuses on the areas of Knowsley and St. Helens, providing much-needed specialist support. Unlike traditional services, Ann and Cheryl will bring their expertise directly to the clients by operating out of local community centres, ensuring easy access and offering an informal, approachable atmosphere for support.

Ann has cultivated an extensive network of collaborators, including:

• Councils: Collaborations with local councils to ensure alignment with community needs and access to public resources.
• Legal Aid Experts: Partnerships with legal professionals to provide comprehensive legal advice and representation.
• Housing Officers: Working closely with housing officers to address tenancy issues and housing stability.
• Health Services: Integrating health services to address the holistic needs of clients, recognising the interplay between health, housing, and financial stability.

These organisations have consistently supported and contributed to Ann’s initiatives, demonstrating a strong foundation of collaboration that will be pivotal to the success of Merseyside Housing & Debt Advice CIC.