Involve summer 2017

INVOLVE August 2017

From homeless to high achiever – Steve is our very own Housing Hero Pages 8 & 9

Gone fishing Page 6

Your spare room could change a life Page 16

Kicking homelessness into touch Page 10

Page 02 / Welcome / Contents

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Introduction from Steve Benson Inspiration and encouragement is a hugely important part of helping people to break the cycle of homelessness. So it’s terrific news that Steve Neville, a former rough sleeper and addict has recently been declared a Housing Hero by the Chartered Institute of Housing. Steve received his top prize at a prestigious awards ceremony in recognition of his commitment to working with us to tackle homelessness and inspire others to transform their lives as he has done.

Steve chairs our client scrutiny and involvement team, which is having a marked impact on helping us to develop and improve

our services. Alan Marshall, an independent advocate, has now completed a year’s service working with the team, and has provided his

first report to the board.

We’re really proud of what the team has achieved.

WELCOME It’s not just winning top awards that is making it an exciting time for everyone at Two Saints.

In Southampton, we are delighted to have retained our contract for Patrick House and to have been selected to run local young people’s services from July.

We’re also busy extending the city’s homelessness day centre and the conversion of the first floor to residential accommodation will be ready for the first clients to move into soon. We’re now delivering 20 beds at May Place for single homeless people in Basingstoke and look forward to sharing news from this service in future editions.

Our success in tackling and preventing homelessness lies with our ability to innovate and we’re constantly introducing new activities to engage and enthuse our clients. You can read more about these here and on our social media pages.

I’d like to thank everyone who’s contributed to this edition of our magazine and hope you find the information interesting and informative. Don’t forget if you would like to support us – either as an individual or as a business – we always need fundraisers, volunteers and donations to help us provide support and tackle homelessness.

We’ve welcomed a new face to our team recently. Janice Hughes our new Finance Director (pictured left) has taken over the role following the retirement of Annette Lewis-Gow who held the position for over nine years.

Steve Benson Chief Executive

Contents 3 4 5 6 7

Our latest news News from Acton Lodge Nigel’s Story Gone fishing Homeless healthcare team

8-9 Housing Heroes award success 10 Football tournament 11 Carving a new career 12 The power of yoga 13 Southampton’s homeless hub 14 Luke’s story 15 A sailing adventure 16 Your spare room could change a life

Page 03 / News

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A clear road ahead for Portsmouth hostel They’re used to laying roads, but recently staff from highways maintenance contractors Colas took time off from their day jobs to help transform one of our Portsmouth hostels.

They removed shingle and tarmacked the area in front of the building to create a more attractive entrance that’s much easier to maintain. Colas employees have also donated clothes and bedding for our clients.

If you would like to support us through fundraising or volunteering, either as an individual or through a corporate donation, please get in touch on 01329 234600.

NEWS Mayoral support After selecting us to be one of her annual charities, the Mayor of Southampton has done much more than simply support us to raise funds.

She’s also regularly rolled up her sleeves and helped out in our day centre.

She ended her term of office with a charity auction and raffle during the annual Mayors ball.

Women supporting women

Soroptimists in Southampton are working with us to support homeless women by donating ‘starter packs’ of linen and homeware for female clients moving into their own home.

The packs will make a huge difference for women with nothing, helping them to settle into their new home, move on with their lives and start living independently.

Soroptimist International is a women’s organisation committed to transforming the lives of women and girls throughout the world.

Keep on running Our Chief Executive Steve Benson let his feet do the talking when he raised over £500 running the Southampton10k as part of the Mayor’s charity fundraising efforts.

Page 04 / Acton Lodge

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Art therapy can help to improve physical, mental and emotional well-being, and clients at Acton Lodge have been discovering these therapeutic benefits by creating hand-made cards. The cards are available to buy in local café, Imbizo and money raised will be used to improve communal areas at the hostel.

Our ten room hostel at Acton Lodge in Fareham provides accommodation with individual support, enabling clients to develop essential life skills and build confidence to move onto independent living.

Acton Lodge saved my life (Kim’s* story) “I came to Two Saints from a living hell. I was in a desperate place, I’d been evicted from my home in London and my relationship with my daughter had broken down.

I really was at rock bottom. but then Two Saints literally saved my life. First I was at 101 Gosport Road, where, for the first time I felt safe at last. Then I moved onto Acton Lodge where I felt right at home and started the progression to a new life and a brighter future.

Thanks to all the support I’ve received, I’m proud to say I have two certificates to my name now and have tackled my addiction demons. I haven’t taken drugs since I came to Fareham and Gosport and have drastically reduced my alcohol intake since being here.

I’ve taken to acupuncture, counselling and attending Alcoholics Anonymous. I’m absolutely delighted that I have rebuilt my relationship with my daughter again.

My support worker is helping me prepare for my move on from Acton Lodge.

I’m addressing my issues and hope to have my own flat in the future. If it wasn’t for the support I received from Two Saints I don’t know where I would be now.” *Name changed

Page 05 / Case Studies

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Walk with Nigel “I first arrived at Two Saints Andover services in 2013 - homeless and with huge debts. I needed shelter and help with managing my financial difficulties.

Two Saints’ staff helped me talk to my creditors and set up affordable repayment plans.

Then I started attending Basingstoke College where I gained my first literacy and maths qualifications.

I moved into my own flat 18 months ago and am maintaining my tenancy, while continuing to pay off my debts. If I had to give advice to anyone experiencing debt problems it would be “deal with the problem straight away and don’t bury your head in the sand”.

I’m so grateful for the support from Two Saints and so I take an active role in the Client Involvement team.

This enables people like me who have been helped

by Two Saints’ to feedback comments and help develop services for others.

I wanted to give something back to show my appreciation and so I completed a sponsored walk recently to raise funds for Two Saints.”

Steve’s story “My journey started when my marriage broke up and my wife kicked me out. I’m disabled, was sleeping in my car and didn’t know what to do.

Gosport Council put me in touch with Two Saints and thanks to their prevention and early intervention service, I ended up on a list for Acton Lodge. Since I moved in I’ve had a lot of support and staff are helping me to look at the next stage, which is moving into my own place.

I want to say a huge thank you to everyone and for all the support they’ve given me.”

Page 06 / Gone Fishing

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Getting out in the fresh air with new people, discovering a new purpose and enjoying peaceful time for reflection - our clients are reeling in the many benefits of fishing.

Gone Fishing Thanks to funding from Southampton City Council, six clients at our Patrick House hostel have recently enjoyed a six week course

on the water’s edge at Ampfield in Romsey.

It was a chance to build new friendships, have fun and develop personal

self-confidence and inner strength. And for one client, the experience awakened an ambition to develop a career in fishing

“I had never been fishing before, but it was something I had on my bucket list. The course was brilliant. It was a really tranquil and stress-free experience. Learning to fish gave us all the opportunity to get out there and enjoy the countryside, fresh air and the fish themselves. I would advise everyone to use opportunities that are available to every service.” Jayne, Patrick House Fishing is just one of the many activities on offer for clients, to encourage them out of hostels to have fun and feel good about themselves, so they can start to see a positive future ahead.

and a desire to achieve further qualifications at Sparsholt College.

Page 07 / Supported Lodgings

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Helping the homeless for 25 years Rough sleepers and anyone sofa surfing, living in hostels or temporary accommodation often find themselves without a GP as well as a proper home.

That’s why Solent NHS Trust’s Homeless Healthcare Team provides such a valuable service. The team of nurses, GPs and community mental health nurses are based at our day centre in Southampton and provide a vital medical service to anyone who walks through the door.

The service has just marked 25 years of operation and Pamela Campbell, Consultant Nurse Homeless and Inequalities said:

“It has been a real honour to be able to make a difference to so many people when they really need help. It has been a privilege to hear their stories and help them with their health.”

Marking 25 years. Pamela Campbell cuts the cake with Lawrie McMenemy and the Mayor of Southampton.

Giving young people a second chance

Got a spare room?

Check out our advert for new hosts on the back cover

Our supported lodging service matches householders who have a spare room with young people who need a safe and stable place to live. It’s a crucial service for many young people who may otherwise end up living on the streets.

I wouldn’t be at university without the supported lodgings service – Lisa’s story “If it wasn’t for the supported lodgings service my life would have been very different.

Two Saints helped me to

get out of a damaging situation by finding me a stable and caring host home with a lovely lady who has been very kind

and supportive to me.

I have been able to sort myself out, regain my confidence and set my life back on track, and I’m

so proud to be achieving my ambition of getting into university to study to become a social worker.”

Page 08 / Housing Heroes Awards

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Introducing the most inspirational resident of the year

Former rough sleeper Steve Neville has recently been crowned the country’s most inspirational resident at the Chartered Institute of Housing’s prestigious Housing Heroes awards.

He has made a huge contribution to Two Saints, and as well as helping to plan, promote and run our regular events including The Big Together and football tournaments, Steve currently chairs our client scrutiny and involvement team. This group of current and former clients checks we’re doing a good job and makes valuable recommendations for improvement.

Steve is also involved with the National Citizenship

scheme which aims to raise awareness of and prevent homelessness amongst young people. Steve has regularly shared his life story, talking openly about his alcohol addiction, his experience of sleeping rough and how he rebuilt his life. His honesty provides the young participants with a greater understanding of homelessness and his contribution has been described as ‘life changing’.

As well as helping to steer young people away from making bad decisions that may result in homelessness,

Steve also supports our staff by talking to all our new employees about his own experiences of Two Saints.

He’s living proof of what can be achieved with the right help and support, and shows staff the impact they can have on people’s lives.

Although he is now enjoying a settled life, Steve continues to work with us and other charities to amplify the voices of disadvantaged people and empower more people to overcome homelessness and addiction. He

volunteers at a local recovery hub and also as a chef at Fareham café Imbizo, where he has developed ‘Love Mondays’ to provide free hot meals for homeless people. Steve invites the general public to dine on Love Mondays too, encouraging them to make a donation for their meal, which helps the service survive.

“Steve’s used his considerable experience of working directly with homeless and disadvantaged people to inspire others.

His ability to connect with others is formidable.”

Alan Marshall (independent client advocate)

Page 09 / Housing Heroes Awards

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“Steve is a peer mentor to many clients and his understanding is invaluable. His determination to beat addiction is an inspiration and the driving force behind many in recovery. He really is an unsung hero.”

Steve Benson, Two Saints Chief Executive

Our Housing First team in Dorset also made it to the shortlist of the Housing Heroes awards, in recognition for their success in working with entrenched rough sleepers. The team provides intensive and personalised support for people that other organisations have found ‘impossible to house’.

Despite the challenges of trying to help rough sleepers with very complex needs, the team have ensured a 100% success rate and every client has remained in their accommodation against all odds.

Page 10 / Football tournament

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Scoring a winning event Our annual football tournament was held at Soccer City in Fareham when 26 of our clients took to the pitch to play against teams made up of our staff and business partners.

As always, the event proved great fun and resulted in lots of laughs - and goals - amongst all the players.

Football is an effective way for clients of all ages to build important life skills including how to work and communicate as a team and how to deal with conflict.

As well as improving physical fitness and mental health, the tournament is a chance for even the most apprehensive clients to get out and socialise, become

“It was a great day and a chance for clients to meet new people and engage with staff.

Everyone had to bond quickly and work as a team, increasing confidence, improving self esteem and strengthening social networks.”

Organiser, Dean, Learning and Enterprise Manager

The results: • Winning Team - Ronin Football Club • Runners Up – Two Saints Tigers ‘B’ (made up of clients from Kings Road, supported lodgings and Gosport Road) • Player of the Tournament ‘Paddy’s Cup’ was awarded to Harrison from the Portsmouth Foyer – a young man who overcame personal mental health issues to participate • Top goal scorer was awarded to Tommy

more motivated and enjoy a positive activity. Everyone took home a medal (courtesy of Trophyman).

For one player, the event could prove to be potentially life changing.

Kaba (pictured), a young man in our supported lodgings service, impressed everyone with his natural football skills and has been invited to join Winchester Football Club in their preseason training. We have sorted out personalisation funding to pay his travel costs to attend the training three days a week and wish him well in what could be a very promising career ahead!

Page 11 / Case study

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Carving a new career in carpentry Learning new skills and planning a future career is all part of the journey away from homelessness and a dependency on benefits. That’s why we encourage and support clients into training opportunities that not only provide positive time away from the hostel, but could be the stepping stone into paid work or further qualifications.

Two Saints Enterprises in Southampton offers a range of hands-on training opportunities ranging from carpentry to picture framing. Ben and Yana, two clients from one of our Fareham hostels enjoyed their recent work placement at Dobson carpentry so much they’ve also gone on to college to gain carpentry qualifications and are even running art therapy groups to pass on their new skills to other homeless clients.

“I’ve loved learning new carpentry skills and I’ve met some lovely people. The experience has also helped me on an emotional level, as previously I was very depressed and could see no end to it. It was at Dobson’s training where I found a place to help combat my problems in a new way. I can’t wait to go back.”

Ben

Page 12 / Fareham

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How yoga is helping clients rebalance their lives Yoga and meditation sessions at one of our Fareham hostels are proving a huge hit with clients, enabling them to relax, take stock and feel empowered to make a positive step forward in life.

Qualified yoga instructor Gemma Barton offered to donate her time and expertise for free, as she was convinced the restorative powers of yoga and meditation would benefit the mental health of clients tackling homelessness and addiction issues.

“I was dubious about the meditation in the beginning but it has been so good to be able to relax and switch off and take a step back from the world. Both yoga and meditation are helping me emotionally on a daily basis and I have learnt techniques that have given me the tools to help myself when I’m feeling down, stressed or anxious.”

Susan, a former client at our Fareham hostel who has since moved on to more independent accommodation

Two Saints has set me back on the right course As the very first person to move into our Queens Road service in Worthing last April, Chelsea has transformed her life. Just over a year later and armed with a new sense of self-confidence, she is moving on to enjoy living independently.

“My name is Chelsea and I want to share my story as I hope it might inspire others who have experienced homelessness. Before I moved into Two Saints’ supported housing service in Queens Road I had led an unsettled life and had been in various different placements over the years. I felt I didn’t have control of my life and this made me feel angry with the world.

I always had problems trusting the adults in my life and had a lot of difficulty dealing with changes. My early days at Queens Road were especially difficult for me, but as I got used to living there and spent more time working with Mark my support worker, I gradually settled in and started to see it as my home. With support, I steadily became more accepting of the help I was being offered and felt more confident dealing with every day issues like claiming benefits, paying my bills and dealing with the occasional conflict in the house. I started to trust people more and accept the fact that the people around me were there to help me and wanted the best for me.

I made really good progress and Mark helped and supported me to join the local housing register. After spending a couple of months bidding, I finally struck gold and was offered a lovely flat in Worthing, which I have just moved into. Living at Queens Rd and working alongside Mark has given me the confidence to take on the world and

I feel much more in control of

life now. My advice to others

is trust your support workers

and work with them. It won’t

always be easy, but from

experience, it will be worth it

in the end. Remember what

doesn’t kill you makes you

stronger!”

Page 13 / Southampton

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Southampton expansion plans get the seal of approval Our Homeless Hub in Southampton is the first port of call for local people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

It’s a crucial service and in so much demand that we’re currently undertaking major refurbishment work and adding eight much-needed bedrooms for people returning to independent living.

During the day, the centre also provides access to housing advice, a healthcare team and employment

information, to help people get their lives back on track.

Our expansion plans were given the seal of approval recently, when Julie Fadden, the President of the Chartered Institute of Housing dropped in.

Julie is passionate about homelessness issues and was very impressed with the facilities.

“The Hub is a fantastic service in the heart of Southampton offering support to help people rebuild their self-esteem and access housing advice, healthcare and employment information.”

Julie Fadden, President of the Chartered Institute of Housing

Julie Fadden joins Carrie-Anne Day Centre Manager to review the plans

Lean Thinking

Caroline Nokes MP and Rick Henderson, the chief executive of Homeless Link also visited the day centre recently to see the works and learn about homelessness services in the city.

We’re committed to tackling homelessness in any way we can and are always looking for new ways of working.

We use Lean Thinking to free up our staff so they can spend as much time as possible supporting our clients. This has helped us to improve the way we collect our rent and streamline our head office processes to reduce overheads and deliver value for money.

At Patrick House Lean Thinking was used to reduce the barriers to client engagement which again gave our staff more time to support our clients. We’ve also trained our staff to use Lean Thinking and the photo shows Naveen, our service leader at Patrick House receiving his Lean Thinking certificate from Andrew Schofield of the Lean Partnership.

Page 14 / Luke’s story

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The future is bright for Luke When Luke arrived at our Portsmouth Foyer in March 2016 not long after his seventeenth birthday, he had nowhere to live, no formal qualifications and no independent living skills. Just over a year later, he’s armed with self-confidence, an impressive CV and aspirations for a bright career ahead.

Luke found himself homeless after his relationship with his family broke down. He spent time sofa surfing with friends before ending up at specialist accommodation for young people in Portsmouth. He had left school at 15 with no formal qualifications and his only work experience was a couple of hours a week volunteering at his family

café. He’d tried college but dropped out within three months.

Once he was settled at the foyer, Luke was encouraged to embark on training provided by The Prince’s Trust. Chris, his community inclusion worker even gave him a lift to the course in Southampton. But Luke quickly developed the skills to travel independently and

successfully completed the course, achieving his first ever accredited qualification.

Armed with a new-found self-belief and qualifications, Luke could start thinking about the future and a successful career.

He has now been selected by the Homeless Football Association to play for Team England Street Football and will represent them in one

of three prestigious street football tournaments playing in either the Sweden, Portugal or Manchester festivals. He has had exclusive training at St Georges Park, where the senior England football team and the World Cup winning under 20’s England football team train.

Luke says “I’m thankful for all the amazing support I’ve received from Two Saints and the belief they had in me. This has led me to believe more in myself and what I can achieve.”

Page 15 / Plain sailing to a brighter future

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Plain sailing to a brighter future Our client scrutiny & involvement team took to the water recently to discover that trust and team work at sea can be the first step to a new life back on dry land.

“The sailing experience strengthened the bond between our team members and the adventure really helped to restore meaning to lives, build trust and created lots of memorable life experiences through the natural camaraderie found at sea.

The budding sailors enjoyed a day, learning how to crew the sailing yacht Ocean Venture and follow instructions from the skipper Rick and his team.

It was an unforgettable and rewarding experience that has had a marked impact on everyone who took part.”

Dean, Learning and Enterprise Manager The idea to set sail on a nautical adventure was suggested by members of our client scrutiny and involvement team, who are a group of clients who work with us to help improve our services. It is thanks to experiences like this that we can empower clients to develop self-confidence and realise there is more they have to offer so they can start to think about life beyond the hostel.

“Steve Neville, the chair of the team said “It was an amazing day that really brought the team together.”

When clients at one of our Fareham hostels heard how amazing and beneficial the Ocean Venture experience was they decided to work with staff to raise funds to enjoy their own sailing adventure.

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Got a spare room at home?

Produced by Ocean Edge PR Ltd, www.oceanedgepr.co.uk

Page 16 / Supported lodgings

You could help change the life of a young person.

The young people we work with come from a wide variety of backgrounds and all have different reasons for needing a safe and stable place to stay.

We need more hosts to open up spare rooms to young people aged 16 – 21.

• Receive rental income • Full support for both landlord and tenant • Additional payment for support you provide “It’s so rewarding being a host and being able to help a young person develop, mature and grow in confidence. There’s always support from Two Saints on the end of the phone. “ Supported Lodgings Host April 2017

We currently need hosts in Andover, Basingstoke, Eastleigh.

New Forest, Test Valley and Winchester.

For more information call 02380 616660 or email twosaints@twosaints.org.uk.

Visit our website www.twosaints.org.uk

www.twosaints.org.uk Enquiries to: twosaints@twosaints.org.uk For our latest news follow us on:

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Call: 01329 234600 (Head Office) @twosaintstoday