All clients work on a one-to-one basis with a key worker, identifying individual needs and generating a support plan highlighting achievable goals and the means to actually achieve them.
Referral arrangements are set up with Probation and drug and alcohol agencies, introducing structure and both the social and professional network links to support our clients. Rents are affordable and are covered by housing benefit, and support costs are met through Supporting People contracts. An example of the flexible support packages developed by PAS is a scheme for people with substance misuse issues, who are in structured day care from 9am to 5pm. Support workers visit the scheme in the early morning, the evening and during the night, when it is most needed.
time out
PAS also runs a “time out” scheme, which is offered to residents at risk of eviction, usually because of behavioural issues, related to their substance misuse. Residents move into an intensive support unit for a short period, usually a week, which turns a crisis into a learning opportunity. A major benefit of this approach includes protecting residents from eviction while highlighting the consequences of bad behaviour. It gives the other tenants a break and also enables mediation and reconciliation with neighbours to go ahead if they have been affected.
Support will be available in all accommodation, including low-level, move-on accommodation, with the aim of breaking the cycle of homelessness and preventing the reoccurrence of destructive behaviours. PAS have employed an adaptive shift pattern for support workers to ensure high support is maintained, giving access 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The project is designed to work alongside existing providers, and both statutory and voluntary agencies, at a local level.
go with the flow
A structured progression model is in place, allowing clients who demonstrate success, to move on to less supported accommodation, whilst still allowing access to a higher level of support for short-term respite or crisis intervention. Our “flow back” facility permits deferred success for the individual. It also allows for a return to higher support in cases of drug and/or alcohol relapse, without resulting in eviction.
This ability to approach clients with a needs led service helps prevent homelessness and allows us to provide a seamless system that will focus the high support where and when it is most needed whilst reducing dependence. We also work in close conjunction with the local councils regarding housing management.