Preventing debt and homelessness this winter: impact case studies from leading organisations

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Time: 1030 – 1145
Date: Wednesday 26 November 2025
Location: Online
Registration: Click here to register
Cost: Free – presented by Policy in Practice

Record levels of temporary accommodation, rising arrears and deepening financial vulnerability are driving more people towards homelessness this winter. Many are already in debt or at risk of falling into it, yet millions of people across the UK are not receiving the support they are entitled to.

Frontline services are under immense pressure. Local authorities are working with shrinking budgets, while financial organisations are managing increased risk and exploring ways to support vulnerable customers more effectively.

The webinar will focus on how councils, third-party organisations and financial institutions such as Nationwide are using data and proactive support to prevent households from reaching crisis point.

Speakers will include:

  • Glyn Ashman from the London Borough of Hackney who will discuss the council’s campaign to support residents in temporary housing who are in arrears
  • Ian Cheatle from Nationwide, who is the first financial services provider to launch a free telephone benefits calculator service, helping people understand and claim the support they are entitled to while tackling digital exclusion

By acting earlier, organisations can reduce harm and deliver better outcomes for customers, residents and communities.

Join us to hear:

  • How organisations are using data to identify households at risk of debt or homelessness before crisis hits
  • How proactive support can help people access the financial support they’re entitled to and improve resilience.
  • Examples of prevention campaigns and pilots demonstrating measurable impact for both residents and customers.

Library talk – Infected blood compensation

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Time: 1030 – 1130
Date: 20 November 2025
Location: Online

The government established the infected blood compensation scheme in response to the Infected Blood Inquiry. The first payments from the scheme were made in October 2024 and as of September 2025, 3,284 people have begun a claim process. This Library talk explains the origin of the scheme, how it operates in practice, and recent changes to application processes. It will be useful for caseworkers and anyone who is interested to find out more about infected blood compensation.

Book your place on Act.

Welcome to Parliament (Members’ Staff Induction)

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Welcome to Parliament.

The new joiner induction sessions are available to book via the ACT portal. If you have a new joiner in your office, please share with them.

This session will welcome you to being part of the Parliamentary community and cover essential information from key House services that will help you to settle in and get off to a good start in your new role.

If you have not yet obtained your parliamentary network access and would like to book, please contact MMSST@parliament.uk

Time: 10:00 – 12:00
Date: 16 December 2025
Location: Online via MS Teams
Booking: https://parliament.learningpool.com/course/view.php?id=1341

Time: 10:00 – 12:00
Date: 15 January 2026
Location: Online via MS Teams
Booking: https://parliament.learningpool.com/course/view.php?id=1341

Time: 10:00 – 12:00
Date: 9 February 2026
Location: Online via MS Teams
Booking: https://parliament.learningpool.com/course/view.php?id=1341

Time: 10:00 – 12:00
Date: 10 March 2026
Location: Online via MS Teams
Booking: https://parliament.learningpool.com/course/view.php?id=1341

Finding people on the parliamentary intranet

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We often see messages asking how to find out who works in a particular MP’s office. There’s a really simple way of finding out.

Whilst logged into the parliamentary intranet, go to https://outlook.office.com/people/ and type the name of the MP into the search box. Once their name comes up, click on it to open their profile (they may have more than one profile. Then click on the ‘organisation’ tab and it will list all of the people in their office. Unfortunately it won’t tell you who does which job role, but you can message one of them and ask.

Join MMSST for Coffee and Chat: Flourish and Nourish

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A celebration of nutrition and wellbeing.
Communications and Administration Network

Food is our fuel, but do we truly understand what nourishes us best? Do you know your food facts? Join us at Flourish and Nourish for a food quiz to test your nutritional knowledge! Your brain, body, and tastebuds will thank you as we explore ways to nourish, flourish and thrive during the colder months.

Agatha Wiseman (our Quiz Master), will be available to talk about the range of wellbeing services available to help you to look after your health and wellbeing as we approach the winter months.

  • Come in person on Thursday 30th Oct 1:30pm – 2:45pm, the Attlee Suite, Portcullis House – Light refreshments will be provided.
  • Come and connect with us virtually on Thursday 6 November, 1:30pm -2:30pm via Teams

Email MMSST@parliament.uk for the link

Ordering wreaths for Armistice Day or Remembrance Sunday

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If you would like to order a wreath for Armistice Day or Remembrance Sunday, you can do so by contacting the Royal British Legion directly: https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/ways-to-give/shop/wreaths

They are able to provide a portcullis badge for the centre of the wreath, but you will need to request this at the time you order the wreath, and only ‘Type C’ and ‘Type G’ wreaths can accommodate a central badge.

You have to order by telephone if you want the House of Commons badge because it’s not on the website:  0345 845 1945, and make sure you tell them that you want the green House of Commons badge – emphasis on ‘green’.

You can order wreaths at any time of year but, obviously, they are busiest in October and November, so do try to order in good time. They suggest that orders for Armistice Day should be placed before 24 October.

House Services Fair 2025

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Start: 10:00 on Tuesday 9 December 2025
Finish: 17:00 on Wednesday 10 December 2025
Location: House of Commons

The House Administration is delighted to be bringing back the House Services Fair this year, showcasing the services and support available from the House Administration.

The House Administration is delighted to be bringing back the House Services Fair this year, showcasing the services and support available from the House Administration. 

  • Visit stalls in the Portcullis House Atrium to learn about the wide range of support, services, and facilities available to you. 
  • Take part in a special programme of talks and Q&A sessions
  • Enjoy exclusive tours

Please note there is no booking required to visit the stalls. However, booking will be required for talks and tours. The full programme and information on how to book will be available closer to the event.

The House Services Fair is for Members and Members’ staff of the House of Commons, and colleagues from the House of Commons Administration and Joint Departments.  

For full details, please see here: https://parlinet.parliament.uk/events/2025/december/House_Services_Fair/