Emmaus Hertfordshire resident speaks at Parliamentary launch of report into Supported Housing Act

A resident of homelessness charity Emmaus Hertfordshire spoke at the launch of Emmaus UK’s 'Rebuilding Lives' report into the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023, in Parliament on Tuesday.

Rosemary Blazecovic, a resident at Emmaus Hertfordshire, spoke of her lived experience, how she has been supported by the charity at its St Albans community and what she would like politicians to consider as part of the new Act.

She emphasised the importance of ensuring that supported housing prioritises dignity, stability and meaningful opportunities for people to rebuild their lives, as well as the need for consistent standards that genuinely reflect residents’ needs. Rosemary also highlighted the value of long-term support, community and access to employment pathways, urging policymakers to listen to those with lived experience when shaping and implementing the legislation.

The ‘Rebuilding Lives’ report has been shaped by the views, lived experience and research by Rosemary and other supported housing residents, including Emmaus resident David McCarrick, who also spoke powerfully at the event.

The report highlights key risks in how the Act is implemented and sets out recommendations for national and local government.

The Act, which includes the introduction of National Supported Housing Standards for England and a new licensing regime, represents a crucial opportunity for the sector and is intended to stamp out rogue provision.

Emmaus Hertfordshire Chief Executive, Duncan Lewis said: "A huge thank you to Rosemary for sharing her valuable lived experience and perspectives for this important report – and for giving a very passionate and moving talk to those attending the launch. We are extremely proud of her hard work to ensure that the people who need supported housing are listened to and have their needs met.

“It was also great to hear such inspiring words from the Emmaus UK team and Paula Barker MP, as well as another Emmaus companion, David, who also shared his lived experience in the context of this research, giving another passionate speech.”

The event saw around 100 people, including MPs, sector partners and funders, join the EUK team at Portcullis House for an afternoon of speeches, networking and discussions about the future of supported housing. Also attending on the day were Emmaus Hertfordshire Trustee, Richard Belt, and Emmaus Hertfordshire guest, David Reavill, Strategic Housing Manager at St Albans District Council.

Speeches were given by Emmaus UK CEO, Charlotte Talbott, Emmaus researchers Rosemary and David, Sara Cooney from the Lloyds Bank Foundation, who kindly funded the research project which culminated in the report, and Paula Barker MP.

While the Act is a positive step towards improving standards and tackling poor provision, the research shows there are still important gaps. These include funding pressures, lack of flexibility for people who need longer-term support, and the risk of inconsistent local implementation.

With the support of Paula Barker MP and Co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for ending homelessness and rough sleeping, and numerous other organisations, Emmaus UK is working tirelessly to ensure this Act enhances the lives of the people who need supported housing.

To read the report in full, click here: https://emmaus.org.uk/rebuilding-lives-emmaus-uk-report-supported-housing-act/

For an executive summary of the report, click here: https://emmaus.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Rebuilding-Lives-report-Exec-Summary-digital.pdf