CONNECT 45 - EMPLOYMENT

CONNECT THE MAGAZINE OF THE HOMELESSNESS SECTOR

SMALL STEPS: ROUTES TO EMPLOYMENT

THE BLUFFER’S GUIDE

TAKE A STEP

FOLLOWING THE MONEY

An at a glance guide to DWP’s products and services - and who needs to know about them.

Centre page pullout to help you join our campaign - Take a Step to help end rough sleeping.

We look at where some of the first round of Homelessness Transition Fund money is being spent

14-16 ISSN 2046-2921

21-24

20 & 25

CONNECT MARCH 2012, ISSUE 45 | WWW.HOMELESS.ORG.UK

WELCOME

CONNECT MARCH 2012 | ISSUE 45

Getting It Right for Young People

The National Youth Reference Group presents a solutions focused, youth led conference.

One‐day conference | 17 May 2012 | Birmingham

“Youth homelessness is just a hurdle: with the right support you can still reach your goals and aspirations.”

Young people who have all experienced homelessness will share their personal stories, passion for change and their considered views on what works in relation to accessing housing, health, education, welfare and employment related services.

events@homelesslink.org.uk 020 7840 4461

www.homeless.org.uk/right‐for‐young‐people This event is brought to

by Homeless Link

NYRG were set up and are funded by The Department for Communities and Local Government.

CONNECT MARCH 2012 | ISSUE 45

WELCOME

IN CONNECT 45 4

UPFRONT

5

SECTOR ROUND-UP

7

NAC SPOTLIGHT

8

TRACKING CHANGE

Matt Harrison - Interim Chief Executive.

Recent developments in homelessness.

National Advisory Council update from Jon Cox.

EMPLOYMENT Paul Anders asks what the government is doing to

Q We asked you to tell us your priorities on supporting homeless people into work.

14

THE BLUFFER’S GUIDE TO DWP PRODUCTS An at a glance guide to the often bewildering

THE FINAL PIECE OF THE JIGSAW Social enterprise Lift share their approach to supporting people into work.

30

SELL NOT TELL David Ford asks what more we can do do to include current and former service users.

33

BUSINESS ACTION IN TYNESIDE

34

‘AMAZE YOURSELF’

36

THE MONKEY ON THE BACK

Tyneside Cyrenians talk about BAOH.

Jessica Plant on our arts project - Get Creative.

Victoria Aseervatham introduces a new literacy

38

KEEPING WORK New research from Broadway aims to find out what will help homeless people stay in work.

ASSESS FOR SUCCESS Lisa Reed looks at the practical employment support available for EEA migrants.

18

We take a look at a new employment service in

toolkit.

array of DWP’s products and services.

17

28

Joe Whitaker reports on this year’s Survey of

support homeless people into work.

12

BRIDGING THE GAP Bristol - and its phenomenal success rate.

Needs and Provision.

10

26

40

MANAGING PEOPLE In an extended edition of her regular feature, Helen Giles writes about employing service users.

G.R.O.W Helen Loosemore looks at how the GROW

WHAT’S ON?

approach is working in West Yorkshire.

20

RESOURCES FOLLOWING THE MONEY We look at where the first round of Homelessness Transition Fund money is being spent.

21

TAKE A STEP Use our centre-page pullout to tell us how you’re

www.homeless.org.uk/connect

helping to end rough sleeping.

NEXT IN CONNECT - 2012 & BEYOND: In CONNECT 46 we ask what the future holds for homelessness services. If you have a story or ideas to share, please get in touch - editor@homelesslink.org.uk SUBSCRIPTIONS: to subscribe or take out additional subscriptions, please email connect@homelesslink.org.uk EDITOR: Martin Reed

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UPFRONT

CONNECT MARCH 2012 | ISSUE 45

UPFRONT It’s something of a cliché that

Out - and it is in the process of being adopted by more

real news is bad news – and

than 20 communities across England.

homelessness services, I admit, are often not far enough from it.

But ensuring that no one new to the streets spends a second night out is only one part of what we need to

On the one hand, statutory

do to end rough sleeping. We also need to ensure that

homelessness and rough sleeping

no one needs to live on the streets. No one should return

figures are up. On the other, while

to the streets once they have been helped off them.

demand increases, over half of

Ultimately, no one should arrive on the streets. The fact

services report cuts to funding.

that more than half of those who end up sleeping rough asked for help beforehand is evidence that communities

However, at our Parliamentary Reception in early March,

could do more to prevent people falling so far.

listening to two men who have been helped by our members (BCHA in Bournemouth and The Basement in

At our Parliamentary Reception, we announced that

Liverpool) - from sleeping rough, addictions and crime,

the Homelessness Transition Fund will be accepting

into employment and stability – it was clear that it isn’t

new applications from April – making another £8 million

the scale of the problem that needs our attention, or the

available over the next year to fund innovation and help

negative spin that some might throw at it. What we need

protect critical services. We hope this will help create

to focus on are the things that work – the methods and

new opportunities to forge partnerships and build local

approaches that help people turn their lives around.

structures to support people.

Delivering the most positive outcomes for people is about

We also launched Take a Step, a campaign designed to

practical action. We know that. It’s about the steps we all

raise awareness of the role everyone can play in ending

take every day.

rough sleeping – homelessness professionals, politicians, health workers, employers, members of the public.

SHIFTING SANDS So how do we really ensure that everyone gets the right help at the right time to prevent homelessness before it begins? How do we make sure no one is left out or lives on our streets? There is no single cause of homelessness, no single solution – and it can be challenging, to say the least, to work against a landscape of welfare reform and changing government policy.

Our recent Complex Lives research, in partnership

You’ll find example steps on page 44 – and there’s a Take a Step centre page pull-out to help you take part. We hope you’ll join us. Tell us how you’re helping to end rough sleeping.

TOWARDS INDEPENDENCE In this edition of CONNECT, we look at skills and employment - crucial elements in helping people to become independent.

with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, has done much to advance understanding of the deep roots of

How can we support clients to gain the skills, motivation,

homelessness. But there are new trends that services are

experience and confidence to move into paid work? How

having to respond to, such as the increasing number of

do we help them stay in it? How do we make sure that

young people seeking help and new pockets of rough

they’re ready for the workplace – and that it is ready for

sleeping that we are seeing in many smaller cities.

them? What should government and businesses be doing to help – and what are they currently doing to hinder?

LEAVING NO ONE OUT The sector has done much to promote No Second Night

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There are many exciting employment and skills projects

CONNECT MARCH 2012 | ISSUE 45

NEWS

being developed by homelessness organisations. Often

She’ll be missed and we wish her well in her future roles, to

against the odds, there are some really good news stories

which I’m sure she’ll bring the same energy and vision.

to be told. You won’t find them in the press - good news about someone like Tommy Allman, one of the speakers

Supporting people to change their lives. That’s what we

at our Parliamentary Reception who, after five years of

do. The successes of our members will probably always

sleeping rough, is now employed by The Basement, about

go largely unreported – but when it comes to move-on

to get married and become a dad.

stories like Tommy’s, the real news is most definitely good news.

I couldn’t complete my first Upfront of 2012 (and my first as Interim Chief Executive) without a huge vote of thanks

Matt Harrison

to Jenny Edwards CBE, who led Homeless Link as CEO

Interim Chief Executive

from 2004 until last December. It is in large part due to her

Homeless Link

tireless campaigning and advocacy that homelessness – in particular rough sleeping – has become such a political priority.

SECTOR ROUND-UP RISING HOMELESSNESS

WELCOME FOR GOVERNMENT

With the latest Government figures showing a 14% rise in

SOCIAL JUSTICE STRATEGY

statutory homelessness and a 23% rise in rough sleeping,

The Making Every Adult Matter coalition of leading

members across England are struggling to cope with

charities, including Homeless Link, has welcomed the

demand.

launch of the Social Justice Strategy. The strategy emphasises the focus on better coordinated support for

Framework’s service in Bassetlaw has reported that more

individuals facing a combination of problems such as

than one family a day has been seeking the help to

mental ill health, substance misuse, homelessness and

avoid having their homes repossessed. Commenting on

contact with the criminal justice system. Something the

the latest statistics, Sarah Lloyd, Framework’s Specialist

MEAM coalition is currently piloting in several areas in

Housing Advisor said: “We are currently seeing eight or

England.

nine people a week – and those are just the ones who are coming to us for help. This number also does not include people in private rented accommodation who are also faced with losing their homes.”

Commenting Oliver Hilbery of MEAM said: “We know that

a small investment in the coordination of existing local services can have a significant impact on the wellbeing of the most excluded individuals.

www.frameworkha.org

“Today’s statement is the first step. We will continue to

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NEWS

CONNECT MARCH 2012 | ISSUE 45

work with government as they develop the structures that can drive the provision of excellent services for this group in local areas.”

WELFARE REFORM The Welfare Reform Bill received Royal Assent in early March and is now an Act. The regulations to accompany the Welfare Reform Act will now be developed, essentially

www.meam.org.uk

the real detail of how the changes will be implemented and how the new welfare system will work. Homeless Link

TAKE YOUR STEP TO END ROUGH SLEEPING

will be advocating on behalf of members for regulations

With rough sleeping on the rise, Homeless Link has

that prevents homelessness, supports recovery from

launched a campaign called Take a Step. The campaign

homelessness and do not disadvantage vulnerable

aims to raise awareness of the damage rough sleeping

people. We will also continue to map and gather

causes to people and society; the steps, both big

evidence of the experience of clients and services of the

and small, that everyone can take to help end rough

changes to the welfare system.

sleeping and help people to get back on their feet and encourage individuals and organisations to play their

ELIGIBLE SERVICE CHARGES FOR COMMON ROOMS

part.

In January the DWP released a General Information Bulletin which asked for information to gauge the

The campaign calls for professionals, politicians and the

potential impact of a proposed change in housing

policy makers to focus efforts on four key ambitions:

benefit legislation. The proposed change would make the utilities and housekeeping of rooms of common

•

No one new to the streets should spend a second

use an ineligible service charge for a wide range of

night out

housing types. With a potentially enormous impact on

•

No one should live on the streets

services and a response was submitted with evidence

•

No one should return to the streets once they have

from members to the DWP. We asked for a full formal

been helped off them, and ultimately

consultation, a thorough impact assessment, and

No one should arrive on the streets.

that any change in legislation supports current local

•

practice. We also met with senior officials at the DWP and Homeless Link is calling on its members to help spread the

highlighted the level of concern expressed by members

word and to share what they are doing. To find out more

at this potential change to legislation.

turn to page 21.

Download our response from: HOMELESSNESS TRANSITION FUND

bit.ly/connect-dwp-response

ANNOUNCES NEW FUNDING ROUNDS From April 2012, homelessness charities will be able

SHARED ACCOMMODATION RATE

to apply for grants of up £200k to invest in new ways

The age extension and related exemptions to the Shared

of preventing and tackling rough sleeping. Key

Accommodation Rate came into effect on 1 January. We

homelessness services, which are at risk of closure, will

are working on a summary of the initial impact of the age

also be able to apply for grants of up to £25k to help them

extension to the SAR – please send us your experiences in

find ways of securing their futures.

relation to individuals, including those newly affected by the age extension and the under-25s, and the impact on

The Fund will particularly encourage applications from

services. We have also produced a guide for members to

areas which are experiencing high levels of homelessness

help them understand the changes

and rough sleeping. To find out more see page 20 or visit www.homeless.org.uk/fund

SAR Q&A: bit.ly/connect-sar

HOMELESS LINK WELCOMES THE FOLLOWING NEW MEMBERS: Biola Aleshe, Liz Baghurst, Dave Carlile, Jo Barrett, Adref Ltd, London Borough of Redbridge, Bristol Sheltered Accommodation & Support, Assisted Accommodation Ltd , Trail-Blazers, York Street Health Practice, Genesis Housing Association, Genesis Community Foundation, YMCA Worcester, Rebecca Bradley, Eaves Housing, Vineyard Communtiy Centre, Freedom Social Projects, Brighton Churches Night Shelter, Cardinal Hume Centre, Welfare Rights (Dumfries), East to West, David Ford, Paul Wilson, Ronald Cozier, Coventry Jesus Centre, Peterborough City Council, Alan Lyddiard, Equity Homes, Routes to roots, Social Firms UK, Vital Regeneration, The Mustard Tree, Naomi Daniel, Daniel McCulloch, Dominic Cassidy, LAMP, Natasha Patterson, Pilates Street, Stephanie Learmonth and Equip.

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CONNECT MARCH 2012 | ISSUE 45

NAC

NAC SPOTLIGHT Our sector is facing a period of difficult and propelled change, so I hope you’ll be glad to hear that Homeless Link’s National Advisory Council (NAC) continues to keep pace. We’re exploring increased opportunities for members to get their voices heard at the highest level within Homeless Link and Government. www.homeless.org.uk/contact-nac At our last meeting, as you might

back concerns about the impact of Housing Benefit

imagine, many NAC members

being paid directly to clients. Government had asked:

and their constituents had

“If vulnerable people should be excluded, how do

significant concerns about the

we define ‘vulnerable’?” We wondered whether a

departure of Jenny Edwards

reasonable definition in this case might be people with

as CEO. The NAC recognised

money management issues evidenced by rent arrears,

both the significantly enhanced

or those assessed as lacking mental capacity. Levels of

influence the organisation and its

service charge arrears, where the client was personally

members have enjoyed in recent

responsible for payment, could be used an indication of

years, under Jenny’s stewardship

the impact of such a change.

and the unfortunate timing of her departure.

NAC members were able to voice their reasonable concerns and queries to representatives of the Board. The theme was that going forward, we needed to continue

ANNUAL CONFERENCE We discussed the NAC presence at this event – including the aggregation of the NAC regional slot into a single session or contribution to another overview session.

to pay attention to: We had an exciting and productive Blue Skies session •

maintaining the momentum and influence of

which aimed to establish the key areas in which members

Homeless Link, now more than ever

felt Homeless Links efforts should be targeted. High scoring topics were:

•

engaging members closely in decisions about strategic direction of Homeless Link going forward.

•

Procurement and Commissioning – drivers, pressures, and costs to the sector

The theme of change continued as we said goodbye

•

Quality affordable move on

to Cathy Jones, Peter Chapman and Jeremy Jones and

•

Welfare reform

welcomed three new regional representatives: Nigel

•

Cuts – reduction in numbers and quality of, services

Francis (NW), Pat Mc Cardle (WM) and– Phil Noall (SW).

•

New funding structures – concerns over exempt

We look forward to receiving Ben Keegan, representing

accommodation review

Yorkshire and Humber to complete our number.

•

Health.

HOT TOPICS AT OUR LAST MEETINGS Youth Homelessness: we talked about the importance of recent research and whether the issue of non dependent benefit deduction might add to the issue.

Since the meeting, concern has been expressed about proposals to make service charges for communal spaces within certain types of shared accommodation ineligible for Housing Benefit. The strong standpoint being that this would be significantly impacting for organisations and

Shared Accommodation Rate: we were concerned

the clients they serve as cost would ultimately be passed

about the general lack of localised consultation from

onto them.

DWP on - and arrangements for - managing exemptions.

Jon Cox, Two Saints - National Advisory Council Chair Direct Payments of Housing Benefit: members fed WWW.HOMELESS.ORG.UK

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FEATURES

CONNECT MARCH 2012 | ISSUE 45

TRACKING CHANGE Since 2008 Homeless Link has been collecting

day centres, which have more diversified funding and

information from homelessness projects around

rely more on fundraising.

England for its Survey of Needs and Provision (SNAP) report, and tracking changes to funding, service

Public spending cuts elsewhere have also had an impact

delivery and clients. Joe Whitaker reports on this

on projects’ ability to provide their clients with access

years report.

to specialist services. A key finding is that fewer projects in 2011 than 2010 could refer their clients for the external

This year, with your help, we have the data to show

music, arts and cultural activities that build clients’

a sector facing challenges of shrinking capacity,

self-esteem and confidence, and are at the heart of

decreasing funding and increasing demands for help.

the Places of Change ethos. In this year’s survey project managers told us that funding was their number one

SHRINKING CAPACITY

issue; many have been told of further cuts in funding to

SNAP reveals that the capacity of the homelessness

come.

sector declined last year, meaning fewer homeless people could be offered support. A total of 79 accommodation projects closed between November 2010 and November 2011. Many of the more than 1,300 hostels and second stage projects that remain have reduced their provision of services. The number of bed spaces around the country fell by more than 1,500 or 4%, with the biggest proportional decline (9%) recorded in Yorkshire and Humberside.

The number of full and part-time paid staff employed by projects fell by 11% between 2010 and 2011, and many of these were frontline staff carrying out key working responsibilities. This reduction in staff means less individualised support for clients as a result of increased workloads, poor staff morale, and restrictions on the range of support services that projects can provide.

SQUEEZED FUNDING Many homelessness projects have had to reduce their capacity as a result of cuts to their funding. A majority have had their funding reduced in 2011/2012 and on average lost 15% of their budget. More accommodation projects, most of which are reliant on local authority funding for housing related support, reported cuts than

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THE VIEW FROM A DAY CENTRE

THE VIEW FROM AN ACCOMMODATION PROJECT

•

•

•

The different groups making up your clients will

You rely on funding from your council and are

not have changed but you will be working with

likely to have faced a reduction in your budget

more people,

this year,

You rely on fundraising but there is a good

•

chance you have lost some funding during the year, •

FEATURES

changed you have lost full time staff, •

As demands for support have increased you

You have to refuse someone access to your project each week because of the risk they

have not increased your staff team but do have more volunteers.

If your levels of staff and volunteers have

pose to your staff, •

You struggle to find suitable move on housing for your clients and have limited capacity to accept new clients.

INCREASING DEMAND

While there is much to celebrate, there is also more to be

The contraction of homelessness services and funding in

done. The data shows that projects can struggle to work

2011 was accompanied by greater demand for support.

with clients with difficult behaviour, for example many

The estimated number of people using day centres

projects refuse access to people who are intoxicated,

around the country each day was 28% higher in 2011 than

have a history of arson or have committed a sexual

the year before, while the number of accommodation

offence. These are often the people who need support

projects with empty beds on an average night was lower

the most. Of course, to meet the challenges posed by

than in 2010 – by 28%. Empty beds do not mean wasted

people with high support needs homelessness services

capacity, as few beds are empty for long. Instead fewer

require adequate support themselves, particularly from

empty beds indicate there is limited spare capacity to

local authorities who have a major stake in tackling and

support people who find themselves newly homeless.

reducing homelessness.

The ability of accommodation projects to meet this

THE SNAP SURVEY

demand has been hampered by shortages of move on

SNAP has been conducted every year since 2008. The

accommodation. Projects managers told us that housing

survey involves telephone interviews with the project

for clients ready to live independently was the biggest

managers of a randomly selected sample of 500

gap in service provision in their local area. Finding

day centres, direct access hostels and second stage

suitable, affordable move on accommodation for women

accommodation projects in England. In addition data

and young people was reported as being particularly

was collected from the Homeless UK database, which lists

difficult. Without a steady flow of people out of homeless

almost all day centres and accommodation projects in

accommodation projects will struggle to maintain an

the country.

adequate flow of people in to meet demand.

Download the SNAP 2012 report at: MEETING THE CHALLENGE

www.homeless.org.uk/SNAP2012

While this year’s survey reveals increased pressure on homelessness services, it also highlights the important work that these services do in helping vulnerable people access support to make a transition away from homelessness. The data shows that most frontline projects work with people with a learning disability and many support clients who have experienced significant trauma such as domestic violence.

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COMMENT

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EMPLOYMENT Paul Anders asks what the government is doing to

•

support homeless people into work - and is that enough?

delivering a more personalised service to this group of people, and

•

a more systematic approach to joint working between Jobcentre Plus, homelessness agencies and

In ‘Vision to end rough sleeping: No Second Night Out

keyworkers.

nationwide’, the Government made clear its conviction that paid employment is one of the keys to preventing

THE WORK PROGRAMME

and tackling homelessness. It contained specific

The Government views the Work Programme as

commitments about what sort of services can and should

being central to the efforts to support any long-term

be provided for homeless men and women.

unemployed person into work via a personalised, tailored package of employment support.

The Government has introduced a range of measures designed to support or motivate people into work. These

It aims to offer up to two years of tailored in and out of

broadly take the forms of supportive programmes to

work support to customers referred by Jobcentre Plus -

enable people to make the most of their potential and

delivered by contractors from the private, public and

to become financially independent and self-determining

voluntary sectors, who work on a payment by results basis.

on the one hand, and new (or planned) rules around

It is routinely described as the largest single programme

benefits aimed at incentivising particular activities on the

aimed at getting people back to work since the 1930s. At

other.

current projections, the Work Programme is expected to have more than 3.3 million referrals over five years.

This renewed emphasis on paid employment comes at a uniquely challenging time, as economies around Europe

Many previous outsourced employment programmes

and further afield face low growth, rising unemployment

have resulted in “creaming and parking” - with those

and wage levels that are failing to match inflation. In view

closest to the job market receiving the most support whilst

of the harsh economic conditions - and occasionally

those further away receive the bare minimum. To avoid

bewildering range of government initiatives – supporting

this, DWP has created the ‘JSA Seriously Disadvantaged’

homeless people into employment can demand some

group, which most users of homeless services are likely

careful navigation.

to be eligible for, where certain characteristics are acknowledged as making it more difficult for someone to

JOBCENTRE PLUS

enter the job market.

As part of the Ministerial Working Group, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) carried out a review of the

Concerns around the ‘JSA Seriously Disadvantaged’

support available to homeless people at Jobcentre Plus.

group include doubts about whether Jobcentre Plus is referring people via this route when they should,

The conclusions of the review acknowledged that while

and whether the group is narrow enough to still avoid

employment can contribute to an individual’s recovery

creaming and parking within it. Providers have the

and reintegration, homeless people typically experience

freedom to design their own model, so they can provide

a range of barriers to employment, compounded by

as much or as little in the way of services as they feel is

homelessness itself - and as a consequence, their needs

necessary to meet their targets. Worryingly, this means

are likely to be best met by a co-ordinated and less

that some clients could be left without employment

fragmented approach.

support for two years.

Recommendations fell into two themes:

Many homelessness agencies have also expressed

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reservations about people being fast-tracked into the the

COMMENT

understanding of the scale and nature of the issue

Work Programme via the ‘JSA Seriously Disadvantaged’ customer group, since conditionality requirements are

On a practical level, there is a lack of understanding of

perceived as more demanding. A Work Programme

the sorts of services that people might need - and why

provider can make almost any activity mandatory – and

homelessness is a need in its own right that goes beyond

if a mandatory activity (which can include courses,

a lack of a place to live.

volunteering and work placements) is subsequently missed by an individual, they are under obligation to refer

The Work Programme poses a significant challenge in

their doubts about compliance to Jobcentre Plus. It is for

terms of performance and risk for the agencies that

Jobcentre Plus Decision Makers to assess whether or not

deliver it, but it is the only initiative of its type and is likely

there is good cause for this.

to remain so. This means it is crucial that homelessness and related agencies have to stay engaged - whether

Applying the same standards of conditionality to the ‘JSA

by delivering as sub-contractors or specialists, or by

Seriously Disadvantaged’ client group as to other client

supporting their clients fully when they are referred to the

groups is not consistent with the efforts being made to

Work Programme.

provide a personalised service based on profiling and segmentation. Anybody working with a homeless or

INFORMAL ADULT LEARNING

otherwise vulnerable person will need to ensure that they

The third commitment of Vision to end rough sleeping:

take every step possible to support that person to comply

No Second Night Out nationwide is to prioritise access to

with what can appear to be an increasingly complex

further education and to promote informal adult learning.

and demanding set of requirements.

The latter in particular has historically been a strength of this sector, although Homeless Link’s latest SNAP survey

There is some room for doubt around whether all Work

shows a slight decrease in provision.

Programme providers have expertise or an understanding of homelessness and related issues. I have spoken

I find it striking that only 4% of agencies report that they

with Work Programme prime contractors around the

have statutory skills or employment specific funding. This

country, and it is clear to me that whilst the majority

means that much of the work currently being done is

take homelessness seriously, there may be gaps in the

unfunded, funded by trusts and charitable (cont)

WHAT CAN GOVERNMENT DO?

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

1. Acknowledge that some people, because they are so far from the job market, will find it harder to engage with the work programme

1. Establish close links with Jobcentre Plus to ensure that their clients receive the right service and get referred to the Work Programme in the correct customer group.

2. Have a more flexible approach to outcomes that takes into account the distance travelled towards employment 3. Improve assessments by Job Centre Plus to ensure that homeless people are not assigned to the wrong group 4. Avoid sanctioning disadvantaged clients wherever possible

2. When clients are referred to the Work Programme, actively engage with Programme providers to ensure that client needs are identified and appropriate support provided.

3. Ensure that clients understand what they have been asked to do - and the consequences if they do not do it.

5. Improve the minimum service offer

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COMMENT

CONNECT MARCH 2012 | ISSUE 45

donations or, increasingly, by social enterprise.

The establishment of the Flexible Support Fund from Jobcentre Plus is welcome and has enabled some agencies to develop programmes and offer services that would otherwise have been impossible. That said, the lack of publicity and clarity around this potential source of funding has probably led to reduced opportunities for agencies and their clients.

CONCLUSION I suspect few would challenge the idea that paid employment, where it is possible, can provide motivation, fulfilment, social engagement and a sense of purpose.

The emphasis the Government has placed on providing an enhanced service to homeless people at Jobcentre Plus is a welcome step - although it does demand that the homelessness sector engage with Jobcentre Plus managers and staff to make this work.

The Work Programme, on the other hand, is more troubling. The payment by results model can lead to a drive to meet targets rather than needs – and I do not believe the risks of agencies creaming and parking have been sufficiently offset by paying more or less for a job outcome based simply on benefit type.

Q: We asked contributors to our March Employment conference:

What should be the biggest priority in supporting homeless people into work?

Here’s what they said...

You could also argue that DWP is paying too much for easier outcomes and not offering enough incentive to

IAIN MCDIARMID

providers to provide an effective service to those furthest

ST MUNGO’S

from the job market.

Work is both a stage you reach in your recovery and perhaps the biggest single contributor to making sure

In 2010, DWP presented the Work Programme as a

that recovery is sustainable. Consequently it’s not a

potential solution for voluntary sector funding shortfalls.

separate priority to an organisation like ours, but rather an

To date, this has not been the case for homelessness

integral part of our overriding priority; supporting people’s

and other sectors. However, we can at least ensure

recovery.

that clients’ needs are met, that they are supported in navigating the process, and that any risks are minimised.

REBECCA EZEKIEL TRINITY HOMELESS PROJECTS

Paul Anders is Homeless Link’s Employment Manager

People talk to people, people listen to people, people help people. People are people no matter how complex the needs or multiple the exclusion and there are many contributing factors that work collaboratively to achieve results. At Trinity we say that we are ‘more than just a roof over your head’ and our comprehensive approach is fundamental to helping people into employment. Our skills and attitude contribute to faithful communication and effective partnership working. Accepting people without attaching labels restores dignity and builds self

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esteem, allows people to identify their strengths and

COMMENT

regard homeless as a barrier to work.

motivations for making changes to discover their own, bountiful inner resources.

JOHN HAMBLIN SHEKINAH MISSION

KIRSTY MCHUGH

Having run a successful employment programme for

ERSA

the last 7 years, all of the evidence we have, identified

I have three priorities. First, we need better sharing of

the following as key priorities for success. Good pre

information between agencies about people’s personal

employment training linked to real employment

circumstances and a confluence of funding streams

opportunities is vital. Far too much training is delivered

around the individual. How can we expect the most

which whilst enjoyable, has little relevance to future

vulnerable in society to navigate a bureaucratic system?

employment. Equally, ongoing support post employment

Second, we must track the experiences of individuals

is crucial, both for the employee and in many cases the

within mainstream programmes. And third, we know

employer. Finally we have always secured employment

that not all homeless people are in receipt of benefit and

for people because they are job ready and not because

therefore are not referred to mainstream employment

they are formally homeless, again too much is made of

support. Thus there will always be a case for targeted

the formally homeless label.

local support outside the mainstream.

STEPHEN HALL DEBRA FEARNSHAW

DWP

BITC

DWP is committed to promoting social and financial

Ready for Work – an initiative of Business in the

inclusion for those at a disadvantage in the labour

Community – is a national programme that engages

market because of homelessness. We have a range of

business to support disadvantaged groups, particularly

measures that support that commitment. A particular

people who have experienced homelessness, into

focus for DWP is collaborative working between partners.

employment. Our priorities are:

Clearly homeless claimants have complex needs and so all of us - the voluntary and community sector,

•

For government to make the Work Programme

programme providers, Jobcentre Plus, Local Authorities

work effectively for clients from a homeless or

and employers – must work together to find solutions to

vulnerable background and for the homeless sector

unemployment. Homeless claimants rely upon us to help

itself. Government should also create a climate for

them transform their lives. We must not let them down.

sustainable economic growth that gives employers •

•

the confidence to create new jobs.

DENNIS PHILLIPS

For business to recognise the skills and talents of

THE TIMPSON FOUNDATION

people from a homeless background above any

It’s very simple. As an employer we make it a priority to

employment gaps or perceived barriers such as

make sure the ex-offenders who work for us have firstly,

unspent convictions or history of addiction.

a support network and secondly, somewhere to live. It

For the homeless sector to implement a work-first

always pays to go the extra mile, so we regularly put up

approach to help people build a successful working

bonds and provide references to make sure they get it.

life.

It’s about investing in a people – if they see that’s what you’re doing the retention rate is phenomenal.

STEPHEN DUNN REMPLOY

PAUL ANDERS

Remploy, the UK’s leading provider of specialist

HOMELESS LINK

employment services, aims to combine its expertise in

Many people who are a long distance from the job

helping those furthest from the jobs market with those of

market are unable to benefit fully from the Work

homelessness charities. By working together to provide

Programme because they can’t manage the level of

a tailored package of employment advice and support

engagement expected of them - recognising, and in

they can link people experiencing homelessness and

particular, finding a way to pay for the essential work that

joblessness with employers who value their skills and don’t

goes on in the pre-Work Programme space is key.

WWW.HOMELESS.ORG.UK

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CONNECT MARCH 2012 | ISSUE 45

THE BLUFFER’S GUIDE

TO DWP PRODUCTS & SERVICES DWP’s range of products and services can be bewildering. Here we ask what they are, how can you engage with them and who needs to know about them.

THE WORK PROGRAMME

additional Sector Based Work Academy and Work Experience places.

WHAT IS IT? Up to two years of tailored in and out of work

WHO IS IT FOR? Unemployed people aged 18-24

support designed to help people into paid employment.

MANDATORY? As per aligned product - e.g. Work

Delivered by private companies, charities and the public

Programme, Work Experience, Sector Based Work

sector. Providers have the freedom to include the services

Academy etc.

they feel will be most effective – this can include training,

REFERRAL ROUTE? Jobcentre Plus adviser

mentoring, work placements, supported job search etc.

HOW MANY? 160,000 wage incentives over 3 years,

WHO IS IT FOR? People aged 18 and above who have

20,000 apprenticeship incentives over 3 years, at least

been unemployed for 9-12 months or more, and most

100,000 Work Experience and Sector Based Work

people on ESA / IB. People facing serious disadvantage in

Academy places per year.

the job market, including homeless people, people with histories of substance use and mild to moderate mental health problems can opt to join at the discretion of their

THE YOUTH CONTRACT 16 & 17

Jobcentre Plus adviser after 3 months.

MANDATORY? Joining is mandatory for people on JSA,

WHAT IS IT? Support for 16-17 year old NEETs to engage

and for people on ESA other than in the Support Group.

in education, training or employment with training. This

Once on the Programme, continued participation

Programme is led by the Department for Education.

is always mandatory and the provider can require

WHO IS IT FOR? 16 & 17 year olds not in education,

customers to carry out mandatory tasks and activities.

training or employment and with low levels of

REFERRAL ROUTE? Referral by Jobcentre Plus only

educational attainment (no GCSEs at Grade C or above)

HOW MANY? Roughly 3,300,000 places over 5 years to

MANDATORY? No

2016

REFERRAL ROUTE? Primarily by local authorities HOW MANY? c.60,000 places over 3 years

THE YOUTH CONTRACT 18-24

DAY ONE PRISON RELEASE

WHAT IS IT? A series of incentives and imnproved offers, rather than a stand-alone programme. Employers have a

WHAT IS IT? Immediate access to the Work Programme,

wage incentive of £2,275 for each person recruited from

rather than at 3, 9 or 12 months.

the Work Programme and staying in the job for at least 6

WHO IS IT FOR? People released from a custodial

months. It also includes additional apprenticeship places,

sentence who make a claim for JSA will be mandated to

incentive payments for SMEs recruiting apprentices,

the Work Programme immediately. Jobcentre Plus staff

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FEATURES

CONNECT MARCH 2012 | ISSUE 45

will be processing any claims prior to release. People who

WORK CHOICE

do not claim JSA before leaving prison but who do so within 13 weeks of leaving will also be mandated to the

WHAT IS IT? 6-9 months of pre-employment support, plus

Work Programme.

longer-term in-work support. The Programme is designed

MANDATORY? Yes

to support people with disabilities into paid employment.

REFERRAL ROUTE? Jobcentre Plus advisers, either in

Delivered by private companies, and the voluntary and

prison or following release.

public sectors, includes elements such as vocational

HOW MANY? More than 60,000 people per year leave

training, CV building, job brokerage.

prison.

WHO IS IT FOR? Disabled people with complex employment support needs for whom other

NEW ENTERPRISE ALLOWANCE

DWP

provision is not suitable and those who are in work but under threat of

losing their job as a result of their

disability.

WHAT IS IT? Support for unemployed people to become

MANDATORY? No

self-employed. Consists of business advice and support,

REFERRAL ROUTE? Jobcentre Plus Disability Employment

an interest-bearing loan of up to £1000 and a tapered

Advisers, voluntary sector organisations with Statutory

allowance of 1274 over months to help the transition to

Referral Organisation status, Work Programme providers.

self-sufficiency.

HOW MANY? N/A

WHO IS IT FOR? People who have been claiming JSA for 6 months or longer. People who are on, or who are required to be on the Work Programme are ineligible.

VOLUNTARY WORK EXPERIENCE

MANDATORY? Voluntary REFERRAL ROUTE? Jobcentre Plus adviser

WHAT IS IT? Up to 8 weeks unpaid work experience,

HOW MANY? N/A

expenses are met. Placement can be

with private,

voluntary or public sector organisations. Administered by Jobcentre Plus.

WHO IS IT FOR? People aged 16 – 24 who have been WWW.HOMELESS.ORG.UK

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FEATURES

CONNECT MARCH 2012 | ISSUE 45

unemployed for between 3 and 9 months.

Benefits and expenses will be paid for the duration of the

MANDATORY? Voluntary to join, continued participation

trial, which will generally not be longer than 15 working

is now voluntary as well, although a sanction may

days. You may be able to arrange your own Work Trial

be applied if someone is asked to leave for gross

with an employer, subject to your Jobcentre Plus adviser

misconduct.

agreeing.

REFERRAL ROUTE? Jobcentre Plus advisers

WHO IS IT FOR? Generally, people on JSA for more than

HOW MANY? 100,000 per year

6 months, but anyone interested is encouraged to discuss with their Jobcentre Plus adviser who will tell them if they are eligible or not.

MANDATORY WORK ACTIVITY

MANDATORY? No REFERRAL ROUTE? Jobcentre Plus adviser

WHAT IS IT? Up to 4 weeks of unpaid work, designed to

HOW MANY? N/A

instil the habits and routines of working life. The activity is being delivered by organisations from the private, voluntary and public sectors, and the work has to be of

EMPLOYMENT ON TRIAL

benefit to the community.

WHO IS IT FOR? People on JSA, any age, at the

WHAT IS IT? A prior agreement with Jobcentre Plus that a

discretion of Jobcentre Plus adviser.

customer leaving a new job of more than 16hrs per week

MANDATORY? Yes; customers who fail to complete

between 4 and 12 weeks after starting will remain eligible

a placement without good cause will lose

for JSA, reducing the risk for people prepared to try out a

their

Jobseeker’s Allowance for a minimum of 3 months.

new job but concerned about how it will work out.

REFERRAL ROUTE? Jobcentre Plus advisers

WHO IS IT FOR? Generally, people who have been

HOW MANY? Around 10,000 per year

unemployed for more than 13 weeks, but anyone interested is encouraged to talk to their Jobcentre Plus

SECTOR BASED WORK ACADEMY

adviser who will tell them if they are eligible or not.

MANDATORY? No REFERRAL ROUTE? By prior agreement with Jobcentre

WHAT IS IT? Mix of pre-employment training and a work

Plus adviser

placement of up to 6 weeks, followed by a guaranteed

HOW MANY? N/A

interview. Whilst the interview is guaranteed, there is no requirement to have a job vacancy. Any external training is fully funded through the Skills Funding Agency and

COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAMME

delivered by Further Education colleges and training providers. The training is QCF accredited.

WHAT IS IT? Up to 30 hours of unpaid work per week

WHO IS IT FOR? People aged 18 or over claiming JSA or

for up to 26 weeks. The work would

in the ESA WRAG group

community benefit and is likely to be with a local

MANDATORY? Voluntary to join, risk of sanction if you

authority, charity or social enterprise. Concurrent with

leave.

the placement there will be provider-led job search and

REFERRAL ROUTE? Jobcentre Plus advisers

potential additional support of up to 10 hours per week.

HOW MANY? Up to 50,000 to March 2013, plus an

WHO IS IT FOR? The very long-term unemployed;

additional 250,000 via the Youth Contract.

typically people who have been through the

normally be for

Work

Programme without finding employment and have thus been unemployed for a minimum of 2 years.

WORK TRIAL

MANDATORY? Yes REFERRAL ROUTE? Jobcentre Plus

WHAT IS IT? Work Trial is a trial in an actual job vacancy

HOW MANY? Unknown; currently being piloted in

that gives an opportunity for an

Derbyshire; Lincolnshire, Rutland and Nottinghamshire;

employer to see how

someone gets on in a post, and allows a jobseeker to

East Anglia; and Leicestershire and Northamptonshire

show an employer that they are the right person to fill it.

JCP prior to likely national roll-out in 2013.

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FEATURES

ASSESS FOR SUCCESS Many homelessness organisations work with migrants from the European Economic Area (EEA) who are sleeping rough. Lisa Reed looks at practical employment support for this particularly vulnerable group.

While many thousands of people from migrant

the labour market. It is crucial to ascertain whether an

communities are able to live and work in the UK

individual is able to work, if the work they do is available,

successfully, the story for many is not so straightforward.

whether they have certification to fulfil that role and their

Factors including exploitation by employment agencies,

English language skills.

unfamiliarity with culture and language and the lack of a network of friends and family have meant this group

Recent arrivals who have quickly become destitute

have been vulnerable to the circumstances that lead to

and those who are unable to work should be offered

sleeping rough.

reconnection quickly, but others may benefit from support to access employment and referral to Jobcentre

Many agencies, including outreach teams and day

Plus. A number of specialist responses have been

centres, have developed tailored responses for EEA

developed to help EEA migrants sleeping rough find work.

nationals, in particular those from the ‘A8’ countries which

Day centres around the country provide support in the

joined the European Union in 2009. Reconnection back

form of sourcing documents, ESOL classes, vocational

to home countries is now an established intervention that

training, CV preparation and relationship building with

has helped large numbers of people to rebuild their lives.

employers.

In deciding on the offer of support to make to an

www.homeless.org.uk/effective-action/EEAEntitlements

individual from the EEA, assessment is crucial, especially if they are new to the streets. Frontline agencies tell us that the key areas to assess are length of time in the UK,

Lisa Reed is Homeless Link’s Head of Innovation and Good Practice.

employment history, support needs and proximity to

SUPPORT INTO EMPLOYMENT

the Homelessness Transition Fund to run a targeted night

Wisbech in Cambridgeshire has traditionally had

support each day to have shelter for the night.

shelter, largely aimed at EEA nationals. There is a nightly referral process meaning that people must engage with

significant numbers of migrant workers from all over Europe who arrive looking for seasonal work in food

The night shelter has been running for over a year and

production. With the accession of the A8 countries to the

while not without its challenges, that include a culture

EU, the numbers of migrant numbers grew rapidly and

of alcohol use amongst the users of the service, it

while many worked and moved on successfully, some

provides a valuable service. Because it offers people a

people lost their employment and became homeless.

breathing space away from living on the streets, people

In recent years this led to a sharp increase in levels of

can be supported to find employment. Ferry Project has

entrenched rough sleeping and community cohesion

employment services available and has strong links with

issues.

local employers. From its opening on 17 January 2011 to 31 December 2011 it accommodated 83 individual clients

In response to this local need, Ferry Project (Luminus

leading to 72 of these finding employment.

Group’s Fenland-based homelessness charity) successfully sought funding with the local authority from

www.ferryproject.org.uk

the Migrant Impact Fund and more recently through

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GROW Helen Loosemore talks to two West Yorkshire services,

Bradford based supported housing provider – describes

Keyhouse and Foundation, about their roles in a

his first reaction to the GROW concept: “I realised at the

partnership with other organisations in the region

conference that we could replicate the GROW model in

committed to increasing employment opportunities -

Yorkshire if we had organisations working together. The

helping people with the small steps from service user

model just makes sense - and I remember someone at

to employee.

the conference saying that we can’t criticise employers for not employing our service users if we aren’t prepared

Four years ago, organisations from across West Yorkshire

to do it ourselves.”

set off to London for an employment conference, organised by London organisation Thames Reach and

Foundation, a Leeds based charity, was keen to enable

Homeless Link. They expected to return with new ideas

volunteering opportunities for existing and former

and new contacts. What they actually returned with was

customers, to offer a key step on the road to employment.

the inspiration to change the way their organisations

“We wanted to break down the barriers that had

viewed service user engagement.

prevented people from volunteering when they are still receiving support,” says Laura Strickland, Foundation’s

The conference was themed around GROW - Giving

Academies Manager. “Historically, customers had to be

Real Opportunities for Work – an approach pioneered

either a customer or a volunteer. We wanted to say: you

by Thames Reach as part of their own commitment to

can be both.”

increasing the numbers of employees with a personal experience of being homeless by providing real

The result was a partnership between five organisations

opportunities for work.

based in Leeds and Bradford - Foundation, St Anne’s, Keyhouse, St George’s Crypt and Horton Housing –

THE VISION

chaired by Homeless Link.

Core to GROW is the goal of creating enough momentum to change the current culture of homelessness services.

PROGRESS TO DATE

Thames Reach believes that in doing this, a large number

“I think we all thought we’d be a lot further ahead by now

of jobs could be made available for people with first-

as a collective,” says Graham Mynott, “but as individual

hand knowledge and experience of homelessness, who

organisations, we have all made huge strides in service-

have turned around their lives to the point where they are

user employment.” At Keyhouse, one ex-client is now

able to help others.

employed as a service user involvement officer, two housing apprentices have now been recruited – and they

In turn, this will improve the quality of services, raise the

actively encourage their own service users to apply for

standards of the organisation, address the discrimination

new positions.

homeless people face in the employment market – and ensure that current and former homeless people are fully

“Currently we either have a GROW volunteer in most

integrated into the organisation at all levels.

of our 22 offices,” says Laura Strickland, “or teams are working towards having one. The next step for us is to

In 2007, Thames Reach exceeded its original target of

develop the scheme so that we can open up pathways

10% of its workforce having experience of homelessness.

for our volunteers to have the opportunity to work for us or

Today, the figure is 23%.

similar organisations. We are going to look at a specific work experience scheme to help us with this.”

FIRST IMPRESSIONS Graham Mynott – Chief Executive of Keyhouse, a

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Of the other organisations in the partnership: one

CONNECT MARCH 2012 | ISSUE 45

FEATURES

GROW enables people to take the small steps from service user to employee currently has 20 former service users employed, they

was to create opportunities to share resources and

have others working as volunteers and two have been

volunteering opportunities. This is still in the planning

appointed as trustees; another organisation has a full

stage, but once working it will allow service users in

volunteering programme for current and former service

one organisation to volunteer in another, thus avoiding

users and they are looking to develop an apprenticeship

potential confidentiality issues of having people work with

programme; another has set up a social enterprise which

the people they live with.

employs service users and is seeking funding for two more apprenticeships.

I ask Graham and Laura if they have any advice for other organisations looking to set up similar GROW

CULTURE CHANGE

partnerships? “Start talking to each other about it,” says

Thames Reach acknowledges that many organisations

Graham Mynott. “Encourage each other, draw inspiration

embarking on GROW will need to undergo a culture

from other organisations and share what can be shared.”

change to make it work – including to organisational structures, staff attitudes, not to mention the nature of

Laura Strickland adds: “Start small and build up. It’s

support services that an organisation will subsequently

essential not to raise unrealistic expectations that can’t

offer to the people it works with. In their own literature

be met, particularly when your focus is on volunteering

on GROW, they stress the importance of shifting the

rather than paid work.”

organisation from an “us and them” mindset to one where homeless people become an integral part of the

But, she says, the main thing to keep focussed on is the

organisation.

very tangible benefit of the GROW model for everyone involved: “It was the next step for us in ensuring our

Laura Strickland agrees: “It’s essential to get the rest

customers had real chances to develop themselves and

of the organisation on board; get your policies and

to bring people into Foundation who had experienced

procedures in place; start a pilot to test things out and

similar issues our customers face - homelessness,

get as many people involved from the beginning.

substance misuse, mental health and offending. We

For customers to have meaningful experiences your

believe that our customer volunteers add something very

organisation has to be enthused and encouraged to try

special to the service we provide – they have been there

something new.”

and this is very powerful.”

GOING FORWARD

Helen Loosemore is Homeless Link’s Regional Manager for Yorkshire & the Humber.

One of the original aims of adopting the GROW model in partnership across organisations rather than individually

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FOLLOWING THE MONEY In December 2011 £8 million was allocated to 41

existing day centres, which are being set up using the

homelessness services across the UK to support them

grant.

in their work to end rough sleeping.

Chris says: “The funding will transform how we are able to These grants came from the first round of the £20m

help rough sleepers in Kent. Information from the public

Homelessness Transition Fund, which was set up last

will enable us to react quickly and ensure that vulnerable

year to protect essential services for homeless people,

people do not become entrenched in street life. It has

encourage innovation and support communities to

also meant that we can now expand our support into

adopt the No Second Night Out (NSNO) standard – an

Medway, which up until now hasn’t had a specific rough

initiative that involves having the right services in place to

sleeper team.”

make sure that anyone who ends up on the streets gets rapid help so they don’t spend a second night out.

And they are not alone. Northampton Association for the Accommodation of Single Homeless (NAASH) received

The fund will continue to run until 2014, and as we prepare

£226,000 from the fund. “We recognise that in the current

to open the second round of funding, we take a look at

economic climate there is a growing group of people

some of the organisations who have benefitted from the

who are entering homelessness for the first time who will

grants so far.

benefit from short, intensive, practical interventions,” says Theresa Kelly from NAASH, who aim to end rough sleeping

BRIDGING THE GAP

in Northampton.

Grants began to hit services just as reports of a 23% rise in rough sleeping in England hit the headlines. Meanwhile

“We have recruited five new members of staff to support

58% of projects reported having their budgets cut in the

the roll out of No Second Night Out. Their induction

last year with 55% being told by councils to expect further

involves visiting local councils in Northamptonshire to

cuts.

explain what NSNO is about and setting up partnership arrangements with them regarding housing of customers

This is a situation Chris Coffey, Strategic Manager for

from their borough.”

the Porchlight Outreach Service based in Kent County, knows all too well. Porchlight received 787 referrals to their

Like many of the services to receive grants from the Fund,

rough sleeper service in 2010-2011, a dramatic increase

NAASH officially began their project in March so it’s still

of 93% from the previous year. As demand in the area

too early to know what impact their increased services

increases part of the current outreach service is being

will have on the area. But you only have to look at the

decommissioned and funding for the existing rough

Whitechapel Centre in Liverpool to see how these grants

sleeper service is being cut by 75%.

are already making a positive difference to the lives of people sleeping rough.

Porchlight received £250,000 from the Homelessness Transition Fund ‘to target new rough sleepers and

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

implement NSNO’. Initial needs assessments will be

The Whitechapel Centre is part of a consortium involving

undertaken through one of seven hubs operating from

all of the Liverpool City Region local

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(cont on page 25)

3

2 1

4

No one should have to sleep rough in 21st Century Britain - so we’ve launched Take a Step to raise awareness of the steps people can take to help end rough sleeping.

Big steps, small steps - everyone can make a difference: homelessness professionals and health workers, politicians and members of the public - everyone.

Here’s what we’d like you to do...

• write the step you’re taking on the pledge sheet overleaf (page 24 is full of examples so you can see what steps others are taking) • get someone to take a photograph of you holding it up - like this...

• upload the photograph to the campaign page on Facebook or on our website - you’ll find the addresses below OR, if you don’t want to upload a photograph, you can just type in the step you’re taking at either of the addresses below.

Then tell everyone what you’re doing - and how they can help too.

www.homeless.org.uk/take-a-step www.facebook.com/homelesslink

CONNECT MARCH 2012 | ISSUE 45

FEATURES

authorities, The Basement, Liverpool YMCA (who also received a grant), Salvation Army, Mildmay House and the Big Issue in the North. They received a grant of £186,637 to set up their Homeless Assessment and Resolution Hub, which has been running since the end of January to ensure no new rough sleepers spend a second night on the streets.

It works across two sites and provides a single point of contact for rough sleepers, a dedicated worker for every rough sleeper in the area and consistent and comprehensive assessments of need. To ensure continuity of service there is a shared IT system and Hub workers have daily face-to-face handovers.

Julie Prendergast, Services Manager for the Whitechapel

How the first round of grants was distributed streets at a time of increasing economic uncertainty.

Centre, is focussed on the practical side of running the Hub. “To date we have assessed 95 individuals. We have

The Homelessness Transition Fund is proving to be an

had 61 positive outcomes for rough sleepers, including

important lifeline for these services, and charities are

reconnections, hostel accommodation, helping link

now able to apply for up to £200k in the second round of

people back to family and accessing private rented

the Main Grants Programme. Key homelessness services,

accommodation.

which are at risk of closure, will also be able to apply for grants of up to £25k to help them find ways of securing

“The Hub has had a very positive impact on supporting all

their futures, as part of a new Small Grants Programme.

the agencies in Liverpool to reduce rough sleeping. We work closely with the Rough Sleeper Enablement Service,

Both Grants are expected to open in April.

cold weather provision and street outreach team to provide a co-ordinated and targeted response to meet

The Fund encourages applications from areas that

the needs of rough sleepers. The Hub is a safe space

are experiencing high levels of rough sleeping and

for rough sleepers to come and prevents them from

homelessness, and from areas that are keen to adopt

becoming entrenched.”

NSNO and other innovations to help end rough sleeping.

Liverpool were the first area outside of London to

Sharon Allen, Chair of the Fund’s Grants Panel explains,

officially sign up to the No Second Night Out standard,

“with the number of rough sleepers on the rise in

and local Councillor Ann O’Byrne recently pledged the

many areas, we want to really focus on areas that are

consortium’s support for Homeless Link’s national Take a

experiencing the highest levels of homelessness.

step to end rough sleeping campaign, saying “We are helping to end rough sleeping by backing our local No

“We need to ensure that critical services are protected

Second Night Out initiative”. The local phoneline for the

and that initiatives, like No Second Night Out, get the

public to report rough sleepers is now being advertised

investment they need to stop homelessness before it

across the City and everyone is focussed on making the

begins.”

project work.

To find out more about the Homelessness Transition Fund TAKE A STEP TO END ROUGH SLEEPING:

and how you can apply for a grant, visit:

APPLY FOR A GRANT

homeless.org.uk/fund

There’s no doubt that Liverpool provides a fantastic example of how hard work and determination can make the all-important difference for those people living on the streets. But the work they are doing is just the tip of the iceberg. Across the UK housing and homeless staff are working to keep people in accommodation and off the WWW.HOMELESS.ORG.UK

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BRIDGING THE GAP Ruth Reddecliff talks about her role in a new project

we develop real ways we can get people moving in the

between St Mungo’s and Business in the Community

right direction.

– and the impact it has had in supporting homeless people in Bristol to start their journey into work.

IAN AND KEKURA One member of that first group was Ian, a former rough

St Mungo’s manages a range of skills, education,

sleeper. At 47, he had never had a paid job but, having

volunteering and employment projects across London

completed the programme, he is now volunteering each

and the south – but Bristol based Bridge the Gap is a

week at the Compass Centre.

new venture, and is something of a departure from other projects.

“I’m getting a lot from helping others,” he says. “It’s helping me to learn more about what I’ve been through –

Funded by the City Council, it is run jointly by St Mungo’s

to fill the void of what my life has been about for all these

and Business in the Community, and the first ten clients

years. I’ve even started working towards an NVQ level

have recently completed the programme, nine of whom

three in social care. I wouldn’t expect to be given a job

are now working, volunteering or in further education. We

tomorrow without showing my commitment to a working

are currently half way through the second programme.

life. That’s why having gone through this course was particularly valuable to me.”

The programme is one of several services running at the Compass Centre. Housed alongside health, wellbeing

Another client from the first group is 25 year old Kekura.

and outreach services – so one of the first steps I took was

A skilled carpenter by trade, he moved out of his father’s

to set up referral pathways from those other services, as

house and into a shared flat when their relationship broke

well as from other homelessness organisations across the

down. However, soon after, he was made redundant

city.

when his employers faced financial pressures. With no way of paying the rent, he moved into a hostel, and

Clients can also refer themselves onto the six week

into the common dilemma of “no job, no rent money or

employability programme. We meet each week, building

deposit” as he looks to move on.

lists of aims and ambitions, and steadily over the weeks,

WEEK BY WEEK

WEEK 2: We confront barriers head on. These might

WEEK 1: We talk about aspirations, looking at the hopes

qualifications, and more. We dvide them into: what you

of individuals in the group to examples on flipcharts. We

can’t change; what you can change now; what you

try to identify the likely first steps to getting what they

might be able to change in the future.

be anything from low confidence, fear of rejection, explaining offending history, the benefits trap, lack of

want, and start looking at Smart Goal Setting, trying to chart a course that allows a person to hold onto their

WEEK 3: An employer attends the session and talks about

dreams without losing motivation and progression.

what they are looking for in an employee, and how this

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“As soon as I heard about the scheme, I signed up,”

FEATURES

or employment.

Kekura says. “It was exactly what I was looking for.”

The only way to achieve that is with an investment in oneOn completion of Bridge the Gap, I made a referral for

to-one follow-up work, and a commitment not to drop

Kekura to a local social enterprise, where he was given

people the minute the course ends. There’s a therapeutic

some voluntary work using his carpentry skills. More

element to this one-to-one work, building on the

recently he has entered paid employment doing street

confidence and knowledge clients gain in the sessions.

fund-raising for a charity, which he is thrilled about – and he is optimistic about getting a paid carpentry position

Considering the high proportion of clients who have gone

at the social enterprise in the near future. He told me that

on to volunteering, education or employment, going that

doing Bridge the Gap gave him the confidence to take

extra mile with clients has clearly paid off.

those steps.

It has also been important to pre-empt and plan for DIVERSITY

disengagement. In initial discussions, I try to get a good

One of the challenges day to day is the broad sweep of

grasp of where each person is in their life. On a practical

people who come to us. Some of the people we work

level, this includes having more than one method of

with are recent rough sleepers, while others might be

contacting people so they don’t become unreachable.

at risk of homelessness – and we see the full range of situations in between. Inevitably this means there is a

The partnership with Business in the Community has also

diverse range of ability. That was a major concern when

been crucial to its success. It gives the sessions a real

we started – could one service really work for everyone?

grounding in the local business community and offers attendees a chance to explore workplaces, sometimes

However, the common ground between people seems

for the first time.

to be stronger than their differences – and there are key factors that bring them together.

Ben Hilton from Business in the Community said: “This new partnership is already reaping rewards with so many

Many have low confidence and they are all overcoming

people successfully going onto further opportunities. This

something. That something might be an addiction, a

is quite an achievement.

family breakdown, financial issues – but whatever it is, they have all struggled. Also, they all have a gap in their

“We know it’s difficult for anyone to find work in the

employment history. They can identify with each other

current situation, but this scheme isn’t necessarily about

from the outset, and I have seen an informal peer support

getting people immediately into employment – we have

within the group.

other projects designed to do that. This one, as the name suggests, is about bridging the gap to be ready to work

THE KEY

– working through the various Catch 22 situations that

Although the programme is based on six weekly sessions,

homeless people can find themselves in.”

this isn’t just another training course. It only works if there

something else, whether that is volunteering, education

Ruth Reddecliff is a Project Worker on the Bridge the Gap programme in Bristol. www.mungos.org

can be evidenced. We’ll discuss transferable skills and tips

of roles to talk about. There is an opportunity to speed

for interviews – then clients can have a go at answering

interview employees.

is continuity afterwards – if clients are inspired, fired up, motivated and confident enough to move on to

interview questions themselves.

WEEK 6: We need to keep momentum as the sessions WEEK 4: The fourth session is time to take stock – time to

draw to a close. We talk about other opportunities

recap on the progress we’ve made.

that can be explored straight away. We talk about volunteering, which is popular, the Ready to Work

WEEK 5: We visit a place of work – for our current course

programme – as well as exploring explore education and

it will be a shopping centre, where there is a wide range

training opportunities and paid employment vacancies.

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FEATURES

CONNECT MARCH 2012 | ISSUE 45

THE FINAL PIECE OF THE JIGSAW Michael Gray, Research Manager at Social Enterprise Lift explains how the organisation supports some of society’s most disadvantaged people into work.

When someone becomes homeless, one of the first things

something is. They may not have had time to consider

to suffer is structure. Without positive structure, a transition

what it is they would truly like to do, since their energies

back into work can be a never ending struggle.

are focused on more immediate concerns such as housing and benefit issues.

It has been recognised that traditional mandatory welfare to work programmes often fail to meet the

At Lift, we have created a structured programme that

multiple and complex needs of some homeless people -

acknowledges the barriers that are in the way to work,

but at the same time, evidence has shown that the vast

and instils in each and every client the belief that long

majority of homeless people are desperate to regain

term change is possible.

some sort of meaningful activity that re-establishes purpose in their lives.

Work is very often the final piece in a jigsaw of progression for an individual who has multiple barriers to contend

As a voluntary organisation, we are not in a position to

with, and from 2012, Lift will be offering a housing advice

sanction benefits, and nor do we want to. We strongly

and advocacy service alongside employment support.

believe that work related activity should be seen in a positive light. The challenge is therefore delivering a

Atara Fridler, Chief Executive of Lift believes that housing

programme of positive structure that our clients will want

issues and barriers to work need to be addressed

to engage with that will move them closer to the jobs

alongside each other if the goal of sustained work for

market.

homeless people is to be realised:

All our clients are motivated to move on to something

“Employment support and housing support have

positive, but they may not always be aware of what that

traditionally operated in silos and it is crucial that more

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FEATURES

HATIM’S STORY

provider so I could gain GCSEs in these subjects. They also

Hatim moved to London in August 2010. Having

only helped me keep my teaching skills fresh, but helped

trained as a school teacher in his home country

me practice my conversational English. My general

of Egypt, he hoped to get a teaching role in the

communication skills are so much better now.”

created a volunteering opportunity for me as a classroom assistant in their computer resource room, which not

UK. Unfortunately, his qualification was not fully recognised and he found himself without a fixed home

What Hatim has appreciated the most is how Lift staff

and a job.

worked to find opportunities that truly matched his skill set.

In 2010, Lift encouraged and supported him to apply for

“Luckily, I had some friends who lived in different areas

funding to start up his own martial arts teaching business,

of London and so although I was technically homeless, I

which he was successful in achieving. Lift has continued

wasn’t actually out on the streets every night.” Hatim says.

to support him with various aspects of the business

Without proof of a regular income, Hatim found it almost

including the design and printing of professionally

impossible to rent a flat. This was a vicious cycle, because

produced promotional materials.

without a stable home life, the process of looking for a job was increasingly difficult.

“I didn’t even know that there was funding opportunities like this so it was fantastic when I found out that I’d been

It was at a meeting in his local housing office that Hatim

awarded the grant. Teaching martial arts is what I have

met one of Lift’s caseworkers who was conducting an

done back home and to get the chance to do it here

outreach session that day, and Hatim soon started to

is more than I could have imagined. I’ve grasped the

engage with Lift’s support. As Hatim explained, the staff

opportunity and used everything I’ve learnt to make a

took the time to really work out all the different things that

success of the business. I’ve already employed 5 teachers

needed to be attended to if he was going to make a

and have now got partnerships with 4 London clubs.”

success of returning to work.

Hatim is now in stable accommodation, and spends his “I worked with Lift to create a CV but that was the easy

days managing and promoting his new business. He

part. I realised that I needed to improve my basic skills

describes Lift as his “other home” and continues to come

in English and Maths and Lift referred me to a learning

into Lift for assistance.

is done to bring together the provision of housing and

to address the complex needs they face by offering a

employment advice.

bespoke plan of action which helps them to begin taking the important steps needed to enter employment. What

Our clients spend an incredible amount of time dealing

we’re offering is structure and meaningful interaction

with their housing issues which is often an emotionally

which has sometimes been missing in mainstream welfare

draining experience. It can be very difficult to

to work programmes. Our own staff have often come

concentrate on moving towards employment when you

from similar backgrounds so have a real understanding

feel you have no control over your housing situation.

and empathy for of this client group.

By providing housing support at the same time as our

We enable clients to access courses which prepare

employment services, we can offer a quicker service

them to move forward and address their experiences in

response, and a job will become a far more realistic

a positive way, as well as motivational workshops and

prospect in the minds of our clients”.

language classes for those where English is not their first Language. Our training and informal learning is incredibly

Barry Harrison, Employment Services Manager at Lift,

important to our clients, giving them the self-belief that

emphasised the need to think creatively about how

they are actually making progress.”

to deliver a programme that caters for people at varying degrees removed from the jobs market: “Lift’s

www.liftpeople.org.uk

employment programme aims to support our clients WWW.HOMELESS.ORG.UK

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COMMENT

CONNECT MARCH 2012 | ISSUE 45

SELL NOT TELL David Ford, chair of Homeless Link’s Expert Panel, argues that many organisations and government bodies could do far more to include current and former service users in their work and their decision making.

On 24th February, a colleague and I attended a meeting

it was a valuable hour for everyone concerned, and it’s

with a handful of civil servants at DCLG. That doesn’t

something we should see more of.

sound so unusual. It happens every day. But let me rewind and take a look at the people who attended that

THE MEETING

meeting. We had Roger Wilshaw (DCLG’s Deputy Director

The meeting was the result of a request sent by members

for Homelessness and Support), Steve Guyon (DCLG’s

of the Expert Panel to Housing Minister Grant Shapps last

Head of Rough Sleeping), and also representatives from

October. What started as a desire to express our concerns

the Supporting People team, as well as Helen Mathie –

about funding cuts became much more than that. We

Policy Manager at Homeless Link.

began to see it as an opportunity to demonstrate the value of involving people with experience like ours,

And then there was myself and my colleague, Tonny

both in practice and in policy decisions. We saw it as an

Ajoup. Both of us ex-service users, both members of

opportunity to ask for more.

Homeless Link’s Expert Panel, which I chair, and which feeds into much of policy and practice work of the

Tonny and I shared our concerns about the impact of

organisation.

funding cuts to services in our areas. We talked not only about the loss of services, but about remaining services

In my experience, that isn’t a typical mix of minds – but

becoming far less flexible as they are forced to restrict the

COMING FULL CIRCLE Three people who have experienced homelessness

they helped me into a new way of thinking – then they

and who are now working for homelessness services

helped me through a mentoring course, which set me on

explain what is important to them about working in

the path to working for them now.

the sector.

It’s an amazing job. A lot of the people I’m working with TOMMY ALLMAN

now knew me when I was on the streets. Now I can see

SUPPORT WORKER – THE BASEMENT

them slowly putting the bottle down, learning to let go,

I first started using The Basement as

learning to trust that they can do without – and seeing

a rough sleeper about seven years

how I’ve changed myself.

ago. I always liked the friendliness, the security – and most importantly

80% of staff at The Basement have experienced some

the fact that the staff didn’t judge. They very rarely

form of homelessness – and a huge number have

exclude – you’d have to do something pretty extreme for

experienced addiction. It helps engender trust. It helps

that to happen.

people come full circle and see what they can be.

The Basement helped me through my recovery after my

For instance, there’s a guy who I was on the streets with.

girlfriend died in 2009. They helped me through detox,

Now he’s volunteering with us. Recovery is contagious.

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type and length of support they can offer to a person.

COMMENT

AN UNDERVALUED RESOURCE The fact is people who have experienced homelessness

We urged DCLG and its regional advisers to “sell not

can be a very rich resource but, when it comes to

tell” when trying to influence local authorities and

employment, it’s easy to be overlooked - even when we

services – and to involve people who have experienced

have the skillsets and a real drive to give back to the

homelessness in the process.

services that have helped us.

This led to a discussion about how personalisation and

I can understand the dilemma. Given a choice between

co-production of policies and delivery of services can

a well-qualified, experienced professional, and someone

lead to more effective support. Tonny shared examples

whose life experience is their main qualification for a

from the SHP client panel he is on, which has led to the

job, on balance the employer is more likely to choose

organisation making real changes to the way it works.This

the professional. But looking at the potential of that

is not tokenistic service user involvement - I think there’s

person with the life experience – considering what they

always a danger of that - the group is given a far more

could become, with training and workplace experience,

equal role in various areas, including the co-production

considering what their life experience has already given

of staff training, rather than just being consulted about

them – is the qualified professional always the best person

its content after the fact. Roger and his team were really

for the job?

impressed with this and invited Homeless Link’s Expert Panel members to contribute to a DCLG co-production

I’m not trying to demean the work of professionals. I owe

group to feed in our experiences about what works best

so much to them personally. But this is a very complex

in taking this kind of approach.

sector, and as I see it the people it helps can rarely be helped by one approach alone.

The meeting will lead to more involvement. It was productive all round. I think Roger and his team felt

RAPPORT

genuinely challenged by what we said. Most importantly

In my own experience of running drop-ins and offering

we were taken seriously.

peer support to people, the biggest single factor in achieving the level of communication and trust needed

That isn’t always the case.

to help someone forward, is rapport. And the most

KATRINA KNIGHT

BCHA do nurture people, and they’re very big on

STREET OUTREACH WORKER - BCHA

involving ex-service users as volunteers. It can be part of

I’ve been employed by BCHA for four

the recovery process, and from my perspective it’s great

years now.

to see people moving on like that.

When I started as a temp at a night

When I was street homeless myself this sort of help wasn’t

shelter I knew I’d found my vocation. Because of what I’d

available. I could only rely on the public. There was no

been through, well I could relate to their fears and their

system in place.

barriers. I could empathise and take them through the thought processes I’d been through myself.

I certainly never felt that I could move on and actually become successful and make something of myself.

I knew that sense of lack of worthiness – but I found I could help boost people’s self esteem. I could help to

One of the most incredible things in my role is to see

motivate them.

how people can recover – moving on from street life to independent healthy living. It’s difficult – and I know I

I think an important part of my role is to act as signposter.

sometimes end up preaching – but when it happens it’s

It’s my job to know the process, so I can handhold.

so rewarding.

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COMMENT

CONNECT MARCH 2012 | ISSUE 45

effective rapport comes through commonality. Finding

is so inspiring. Over the past few years, it has seen the

common ground is what we do every day of our lives as

number of Thames Reach employees with experience of

we interact with others. When support is being offered, I’d

homelessness rise to 23%. Through their National GROW

argue that the best rapport will come from people who

Programme, other services throughout England are doing

have been through similar situations to the people they’re

the same. Just think of how much richer services might

helping – if only because they’re living proof that moving

be if they all aimed for similar levels of former service user

on and improving your life is possible. Obviously no one is

employment.

going to seriously suggest that homelessness professionals should go through the trauma of actually becoming

FUTURE OF THE EXPERT PANEL

homeless in order to gain a deeper rapport with service

At last night’s Expert Panel meeting, I was reminded how

users. That’s neither realistic nor practical. But look at it

much the group has to offer in experience, common

the other way – offering full training to former service users

sense and wisdom. If you consider what they have

to help professionalise them. That sounds both realistic

learned from their own personal battles, and how

and practical.

that can make a difference, I think you truly have an inspirational and dedicated force to be reckoned with.

Some services are looking at that approach. St Mungo’s PAL is a great example. Those working on the scheme

What started as a panel of advisors to Homeless Link’s

love it – and those using it prefer it.

Chief Executive now feeds into policy more broadly across the organisation. The Expert Panel is building ties

23% AND COUNTING

with DCLG, which will lead to more involvement in future

So could it happen more widely? And at what point

– and we are looking to expand the remit of the Panel

can a person who has volunteered in a scheme like

by linking with groups of service users throughout the

PAL expect to be able to move into a paid role within

regions. We believe that there is room for us and people

the sector. There’s no doubt that the sector benefits

like us in the decisions the homelessness sector makes

immensely from service user volunteers – but I do worry

and in the work that it does – at all levels. The fact is that

that perhaps it sometimes takes advantage of the

services have an invaluable resource in the people they

dedication found in people who have transformed

support.

their lives and who want to help others do the same.

That is why a scheme like GROW from Thames Reach

Our ask is quite simple: include us.

COMING FULL CIRCLE - cont.

RICHARD JONES

feeding into our policy work, now meeting with DCLG.

POLICY & RESEARCH ASSISTANT HOMELESS LINK

I’d like to see the Panel take on a more formal role – more

Work has been part of recovery – that

like Homeless Link’s NAC. Its ‘raw voice’ really is a good

measure of autonomy and responsibility

balance for the ‘considered voice’.

gives a good opportunity to shape things.

Education is such a crucial part of moving on too. It’s more than just knowledge - it’s social too. Just as that’s

My involvement in developing the Homeless Link’s Expert

key for children, it’s also key for people reintegrating with

Panel has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my job.

society and rebuilding themselves.

It wasn’t originally part of the role I was brought on board to do, but it has been great to see how it has evolved.

Particularly when you look at youth homelessness and recovery from addictions, education can really give

It’s gone from being a group of current and former

the opportunity and space to find out what you have a

service users advising our senior management, to

passion for.

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FEATURES

BUSINESS ACTION IN TYNESIDE In October 2010 The Cyrenians, a charity supporting

at the forefront of good practice. Currently 30% of The

some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged

Cyrenians employees have previously used at least one

people in the North East, acquired the franchise to

of their services. This puts the Charity in a position to be

deliver the Business Action on Homelessness (BAOH)

able to successfully deliver the BAOH programme.

Programme in the region.

Ready for Work is a further expansion to the groundSince the programme started, The Cyrenians have

breaking schemes for which The Cyrenians is recognised.

successfully helped 57 previously homeless people into

As the homeless organisation which is leading the way

work.

in employing service users the scheme also underlines The Cyrenians’ commitment to working with the private

BAOH was launched with the aim of working with local

sector.

businesses to equip homeless people with the skills to gain and sustain employment. With employment being

A number of companies across the region already

cited as one of the key routes out of homelessness

support the programme. These include Greggs, Sage,

the campaign has expanded rapidly and is currently

Marks and Spencer, Carillion, PriceWaterHouseCoopers,

operating in 23 cities across the UK and Ireland. It

Virgin Money, Gentoo, Barclays and Siemens among

involves over 200 companies and most importantly helps

others.

a large proportion of homeless people get back into employment through it’s Ready for Work programme.

With successful clients gaining jobs ranging from IT Technician, Admin Worker, Finance Officer and Retail

This key programme works closely with local homelessness

Assistant to Wind Turbine Technician Apprentice and

organisations to identify people who are ‘ready for work’

Solar Panel Technician. This is an exceptionally fantastic

but who lack confidence or skills and/or have been out

achievement given the current economic climate.

of the workplace for a long time. Those people are then matched to a two-week work placement with a local

Businesses work with The Cyrenians to provide job

business and supported by a ‘buddy’ from that company

opportunities and two-week work placements to clients

who supports them in the completion of their Ready for

and The Cyrenians provide a service to match the needs

Work placement.

of the business to the skills of the client.

A significant number of The Cyrenians clients have had

If you are a business interested in getting involved, please

little or no work experience and may previously have

contact Val Nevin, Assistant Director on v.nevin@tcuk.org

been discriminated against within the employment sector

or telephone 0191 2738891.

looking for employment opportunities. It is in this area The Cyrenians takes innovative and positive action. Their work to provide training and employment opportunities to excluded individuals has been recognised as being

For more information about Business Action on Homelessness, visit: bit.ly/connect-baoh

WWW.HOMELESS.ORG.UK

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ARTS

CONNECT MARCH 2012 | ISSUE 45

“AMAZE YOURSELF!” Homeless Link has teamed up with Streetwise Opera

local artists and arts organisations across England to build

to deliver a three year project to increase homeless

partnerships and deliver a range of creative activities

people’s participation in arts and creative activities.

including digital photography, dance, creative writing

Jessica Plant explains why this isn’t window dressing -

and craft groups.

it should at the heart of what we do.

Our partner, Streetwise Opera - an award-winning charity Involvement in arts and creative activities can have a

that focuses on the personal development of homeless

positive impact on anyone – but when that involvement

people through music-making - will be delivering its

is from people who have experienced trauma, exclusion,

innovative workshops throughout the project. They

addiction and other complexity in their lives, the impact

already work with more than 500 homeless people a

can be immense.

year, offering opportunities to build confidence, as well as putting on public performances of their work.

CREATING ABILITY A recent report by Lemos and Crane, ‘Create-Ability:

CHOICES

the changing meaning of art and artistry’, talks about

I’m concerned at the moment that funding cuts to

how artistic endeavours such as music, drama and visual

services will result in the loss of creative projects amongst

arts can offer people opportunities to be mindful, build

our members. With homelessness rising in the UK, it

self-esteem, gain social capital, increase wellbeing –

seems more important than ever that we provide ways

and even help build the personal skills and confidence

for individuals to gain independence through inspiring

necessary to sustain employment.

activities.

Creative activities provide a focus on something positive

As well as the benefits to the individual, these activities

– and in many ways, that alone is crucial for people

have been proven to be cost-effective with a recent

who may have poor support networks, mental ill health,

report by New Philanthropy Capital claiming that arts

substance use issues and insecure housing.

activities can actually reduce local costs by reducing reoffending rates.

THE PROJECT Get Creative: arts for all launched in December 2011,

We’ll be building an online toolkit to share good practice

when we began working with homelessness agencies,

and to support agencies to set up activities at low cost, while ensuring it is meaningful.

Get Creative: arts for all has been funded by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation with additional funding from Arts Council England.

To find out more about Get Creative: arts for all - and how you can get involved - visit: www.homeless.org.uk/arts

Jessica Plant Homeless Link’s arts project coordinator 34

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ARTS

Participants from The Booth Centre, Manchester taking part in Royal Exchange Theatre workshops Photography by Joel Fildes

RAISING ASPIRATIONS THROUGH ART AT THE BOOTH CENTRE

activities as a valuable process for people. It is important that they recognise it is an integral part of the support offered, not just an add-on.

Two: motivating clients to participate it is vital to ensure that service user involvement is at the heart of delivery – setting up activities that people have

The Booth Centre, a small day centre in the centre of

invested in means there is more chance of success. Types,

Manchester, boasts a vibrant programme of artistic and

times and locations of activities need to be flexible and

creative projects to engage people who are socially

realistic. A wider range of activities on offer means more

excluded in complex ways. It is able to provide fantastic

clients will find something that is right for them.

opportunities through its partnerships with the Royal Exchange Theatre, Streetwise Opera, Opera North, local

Three: building and maintaining excellent external

museums and galleries, and national projects such as

relationships

Open Cinema.

One of the key ingredients at the Booth Centre is partnerships with local institutions, such as the Royal

The Centre’s relationship with the Royal Exchange

Exchange.

Theatre, which actively involves different groups in the cultural hub of the city centre, has been particularly

THE IMPACT

successful. The theatre helps in several ways, such as

For staff, the impact of the activities could be apparent

deliver workshops, performances, free tickets and tours

immediately in how they made people feel about

of the building. It also provides rehearsal space and

themselves and their self-esteem, “often people come

supports shows.

in miserable and leave happy, it has a real impact on people’s mood.”

HOW DOES IT WORK? There have been three critical factors that have made

Overwhelmingly, clients talked about the sense of feeling

the creative and artistic activities on offer a success.

like an equal at the Booth Centre and being treated and respected in a way they didn’t often feel. As one group

One: getting the staff on board

member said, “You can amaze yourself.”

Staff are a huge asset for any service, and they need to be motivated at all levels to see arts and creative

www.boothcentre.org.uk WWW.HOMELESS.ORG.UK

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FEATURES

CONNECT MARCH 2012 | ISSUE 45

THE MONKEY ON THE BACK Homelessness organisations are in regular contact with adults with poor literacy, so they are ideally placed to identify issues and support people to tackle them. Victoria Aseervatham introduces a new toolkit that helps to ensure opportunities aren’t missed.

I am no expert on literacy.

and rolling it out across all our hostels. The model involves linking up learners with coaches (hostel residents, workers

How’s that for the opener to an article on how to help

or external volunteers) and working together through a

improve it? Let me expand on that: I am no expert on

phonics-based manual called Yes We can Read.

literacy – and that is precisely the point of this article. We don’t need to be experts to put practical systems in place

At time of writing, we’ve had

and make a big difference for the people we work with.

around 50 learners using the programme – and it has been

Literacy is rarely discussed in many services and, when it

hugely successful, winning

is, referring a person to a local college often feels like the

recognition with a runner up prize

only option. For many that is a step too far. A less formal

in last year’s Andy Ludlow Awards.

approach is needed, with more emphasis on one-to-one learning – and with sensitivity to the particular needs,

SPREADING WORDS

issues, abilities and confidence of the person trying to

So we’ve done the legwork, and

learn.

we know the programme could benefit other services. To share

THE ISSUE

it with you, we’ve launched a

In Westminster, although we knew there was a problem,

Literacy Toolkit for Homelessness

we weren’t sure how to go about dealing with it.

Organisations to show how

Research from Thames Reach in 2010 (“Turning the Key:

services across the sector can

Portraits of low literacy amongst people with experience

cheaply and effectively maximise

of homelessness”) showed that 9% of people with

opportunities to tackle literacy

experience of homelessness had a serious reading

and other basic skills needs.

difficulty and 38% had trouble understanding written materials. While a lack of reading skills does not mean a

It is based on three key literacy

lack of intelligence, many non-readers will believe this of

actions that every homelessness

themselves. Crucially, it means they are more likely to be

organisation should consider

unemployed; more likely to have housing problems; less

taking…

likely to be in good health; more likely to have children who also struggle with basic skills; less likely to be involved

SCREENING

in public life, community organisations or to vote – and

Screening for literacy needs is

they’re over represented in prisons and young offenders

crucial. In the past, so many of

institutions.

our assessment forms included nothing about literacy – or if they

PRACTICAL ACTION

did, it was just a single tick box.

To do nothing was not an option, so in 2011 we went from

We were totally missing the issue -

head-scratching to designing a pilot literacy programme

and many opportunities.

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FEATURES

The Toolkit details two possible approaches to screening.

problems, Yes We Can Read (www.yeswecanread.co.uk)

The Fast Track Assessment produced by the National

really is the answer. It has worked with every type of

Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE), is

client you can imagine, including crack and heroin users,

specifically designed to be used by non specialist staff

drinkers, people with mental health support needs, and

to make an early identification of basic skills needs.

others with memory issues. There can be a lot of variation

It is comprised of 20 questions which take 10 minutes,

in the rate at which people’s reading skills improve – but

but some hostels have condensed it to just 5 questions.

that’s one of the benefits of a on-to-one model.

Alternatively, the Thames Reach Literacy Toolkit offers an alternative, discussion based approach.

Even for the fastest learners, it takes time – so volunteers are the best way to deliver this. These volunteer coaches

Obviously, the assessment must be appropriate to the

can include other homelessness service users, who

service – for instance a day centre might need a far

have been particularly successful because of the sheer

briefer approach – but all services should have some

convenience of being on hand to do regular sessions.

form of consistent, universal assessment in place.

There’s also a place for hostel and day centre workers LITERACY COORDINATOR

doing coaching – particularly with more chaotic people

Someone needs to organise screening and people’s

who need some persuasion at the beginning to give it a

options, so it is important to nominate a Literacy

go.

Coordinator to keep things running. They don’t need

WIDER BASIC SKILLS NEEDS

experience or a background in

For people who can read fluently but who are seeking

teaching – they’re likely to be

help with writing, spelling, comprehension and numeracy,

a generic hostel or day centre

colleges provide dedicated services to which clients

worker, and the toolkit Decision

should be signposted.

Tree will help them work out the best approach on a case by

However, for many the step is a big leap and there

case basis.

is much that homelessness organisations can do to build the confidence to consider a more formal

They will be responsible for:

learning setting. A series of tried and tested ideas that

ensuring literacy screening takes

homelessness workers, who are not basic skills experts,

place with all new service users;

can use are detailed in the toolkit. Simple ideas – for

maintaining a log of residents

instance, getting people to write for 5 minutes a day

who want help; maintaining

and then working on problem areas using worksheets

a resource file of information

– can really help to improve skills and boost learners’

on best practice and literacy

confidence.

services for other key workers to access (college prospectuses,

KICK THE MONKEY

library resources, spelling, writing

Poor literacy is often described as the ‘monkey on the

and numeracy resources, dyslexia

back’. So much of modern life is based on this basic skill

help etc); liaising with external

– gaining employment and engaging with services, even

volunteers and recruiting, training

before you start looking at improving self-confidence,

and supporting peer coaches.

and to moving on from homelessness and exclusion. Time and again we have seen that once people tackle their

YES WE CAN READ

literacy problems they go on to build the confidence to

Offer Yes We Can Read as

achieve in other areas of their lives.

an option for service users with serious reading problems

You can download the toolkit from:

matched up with volunteer

bit.ly/connect-literacy

coaches.

We’ve found that for service users with serious reading

Victoria Aseervatham is Westminster City Council’s Deputy Head of Rough Sleeping Commissioning Strategy WWW.HOMELESS.ORG.UK

37

FEATURES

CONNECT MARCH 2012 | ISSUE 45

KEEPING WORK The homelessness sector works hard to support its clients to become work-ready and move into employment, and Government policy is making a move into employment an increasing priority for our clients. But, once homeless people are in work, what helps them keep the jobs that they start? New research currently being conducted by Broadway aims to find out.

Very little is known about what really works in supporting

Broadway’s Keeping Work research will dig deeper into

homeless people to stay in work. What we do know is that

the issues which previous research has uncovered, to find

a shockingly high number of homeless people fall out of

out what helps homeless people stay in work.

work: figures from one leading provider of employment support to homeless people show that only one third

We will be conducting in-depth interviews with 60

of their clients who started new jobs were still in work six

homeless people (people living in homelessness hostels

months later – even given the support they received.

or supported housing or sleeping rough) who are starting new jobs.

As one homeless person said, in research conducted by Business Action on Homelessness and the New Economics

We will conduct regular interviews with them from the

Foundation :

moment they get their job offer, over a period of one year, to find out how they are getting on, whether they

“There’s loads of money being spent getting people into

are still in work, and what factors have helped them to

work and there is nothing being spent getting them over

stay in work or led to them falling out of work. People

the threshold… it’s like a bride getting married and you

who are interested will also be asked to contribute to the

can imagine all the effort that goes into the wedding

research via video diaries, online discussion forums and

but when she walks up the aisle and there is no husband

blogging.

there, well then, all the money and effort hasn’t been worth it.”

A wide range of organisations are involved in the research, and we hope it will really influence practice

Broadway’s specialist research team, in partnership with

and policy, to make a real difference for homeless

Business Action on Homelessness and with the support

people starting work. The research is being funded by

of a number of leading homelessness agencies, has just

Trust for London and (subject to contracting) steering

started research to find out more.

group members the Department for Work and Pensions.

Business Action on Homelessness, Crisis, SHP, St. Mungo’s

THE ‘KEEPING WORK’ RESEARCH

and Thames Reach are all helping us find people to

Little research has been conducted about homeless

take part in the research and are advising us on the

people’s experiences in work – most of it focuses on

steering group. Other steering group members include

barriers to entering work in the first place. The most

the Department for Communities and Local Government,

comprehensive studies in this area include Sustainable

Homeless Link and two of the prime contractors for the

employment: supporting people to stay in work and

Work Programme, CDG and Seetec.

advance by the National Audit Office; Making Work Work and Work it Out by Business Action on Homelessness and

BARRIERS TO KEEPING WORK – WHAT DO WE KNOW?

the New Economics Foundation; Work Matters, by St

The existing research suggests that homeless people can

Mungo’s and Demos; and a number of publications by

experience a number of barriers to keeping work:

Off the Streets and Into Work.

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CONNECT MARCH 2012 | ISSUE 45

FEATURES

Casual, temporary or part-time contracts

Support needs and lack of support

The employment homeless people go into is often casual,

Stress at work can sometimes make it more difficult for

temporary or part-time. Broadway’s research aims to find

people who are managing drug, alcohol or mental

out what happens next to people who go into temporary

health issues to cope with these issues. Research

work, how they can be better supported, and whether

by Business Action on Homelessness shows that an

anything can be done to make work more secure for

individual’s emotional resilience can be crucial at work.

homeless people.

Before the introduction of the Work Programme in May 2011, the usual target of employment support workers

The benefits system

was to help people to gain – rather than to sustain –

Research suggests that the benefits system can cause

employment. Broadway’s research aims to explore what

financial strain and make starting and staying in work

support homeless people might need at work, and

difficult for many homeless people. It can be particularly

how this can best be delivered. We will also explore the

difficult for people moving in and out of work on

impact of the introduction of the Work Programme in

temporary contracts, for those who are not aware of the

supporting homeless people to move into, and stay in,

in-work benefits they are entitled to, and for those who

work.

find they are not (or are only minimally) better off when they work. Broadway’s research aims to explore whether,

Keeping updated

and how far, the current benefits system may be a barrier to staying in work, and how Universal Credit could make it

Please visit our website www.keepingwork.org to view the

easier for people to stay in work.

latest news relating to homelessness and employment, keep up to date with the research, register to receive

Inappropriate accommodation

project reports, read blogs by homeless people starting

Previous research suggests that some hostels and

work, and join in with our forum discussions.

temporary accommodation can be unsuitable for working tenants. It describes, for example, noise through the night, showers which are not hot early in the mornings, and hot evening meals being served before people

For more information about the project, contact Juliette Hough, Broadway’s Research Manager, on 020 7710 0601, email Juliette.hough@broadwaylondon.org.

return from work. In addition, the particularly high rents that some hostels demand of working tenants can

www.keepingwork.org

contribute to in-work poverty, exacerbated by some staff being unaware of the availability of in-work benefits. Our research aims to explore these issues further and seek possible solutions to them.

WWW.HOMELESS.ORG.UK

39

FEATURES

CONNECT MARCH 2012 | ISSUE 45

MANAGING PEOPLE

Dear Helen,

Let me start by saying this isn’t something you should embark upon because it looks good in your statistics.

The experience that people who have been homeless bring is invaluable; it isn’t something you should use to tick a box. Diversity as a driver of service user employment schemes is good because it means employing people with all different perspectives – but this isn’t the only thing you should do to ensure you have a diverse workforce. The other reason that organisations across the sector feel that this is something they should

I kn ow a num be r of service s actively seek to em ploy people who have bee n helped by th e sector, wheth er for the ad de d p o we r o f a p e er perspective or sim ply beca us e from a divers it y perspective it feels rig ht to do so (n ot to me ntion looking go od in stats). Wha t are the pro s a nd cons for those people, for colleag ue s a nd for ma nageme nt?

do, is because if we are asking companies to offer clients the chance to work, we ought to be putting our

been put in place.

money where our mouth is and doing the same ourselves.

I think for a small organisation employing current or Employing people who have been helped by the sector

recent service users can be a huge opportunity –

doesn’t have to involve employing a current or recent

but also a challenge. One of the key things to think

service user. It could mean offering second or third jobs to

through is what resources there will be to support the

people who have already been through trainee schemes

new employees –if you are calling them ‘trainees’ that

run by other homelessness organisations or who have

implies they are going to receive training; are you able

gained relevant qualifications and work experience

to provide this? In some cases, as a consequence of the

elsewhere. They will enhance your organisation with their

experiences that have been associated with a person’s

perspective and you will be enabling them to develop

homelessness, they will need a lot of structured time and

their career.

support. Do you have enough staff to provide support to them if they are finding the transition to employment

If an organisation is looking at employing current service

a challenge? Or can you make an arrangement to

users, it needs to be clear what the objectives for the

share resources with a few local organisations who want

individuals and the organisation are, and what resources

to develop the same opportunities. Larger providers

are available. I have seen some spectacular success

like People Can, Thamesreach and St Mungo’s run very

stories but also some significant failures. When things do

successful trainee schemes that give this level of support;

go wrong, it is invariably the person who was employed

more and more organisations are developing schemes –

who suffers the most.

you don’t have to re-invent the wheel.

It’s good for service providers to challenge themselves

Adding a peer perspective to enhance service quality

about what we believe people are capable of, but not to

is a valid objective, but it does not mean that all

set them up to fail because the resources, commitment

homeless people are best suited to a job in homelessness

and other essential building blocks for success haven’t

services, or that it is impossible to run excellent services

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FEATURES

where nobody in the team has direct experience of

through when it becomes clear (whether someone

homelessness. It is interesting that when I recently asked

has been helped by the sector or not) that despite

a group of our service users about the skills and qualities

reasonable training and support, it isn’t going to work

of their ideal worker, they all wanted a worker who was

out. Certainly as Supporting People funded services are

a good listener, empathetic, resourceful, and reliable

increasingly squeezed on resources, I worry that it will

in delivering on promises. They didn’t care if they had

become difficult to support service user employment

had experience of homelessness themselves. But if a

initiatives.

person has all these competences, and has relevant life experience as well, this can’t fail to complement

Client volunteering schemes are a sensible way of

positively what any service team has to offer our clients.

supporting people towards employment and being able to identify when they are ready to take up paid

You shouldn’t limit your thinking to client facing roles.

employment. Through such schemes people can get

It could be that there are people with experience

used to the basic requirements of being accountable

of homelessness who have the competences for

and reliable, taking responsibility for completing and

fundraising, working in finance or in policy and research.

finishing tasks, managing their emotions and relating well to others. They also get the opportunity to find out

There are lots of things that the organisation needs to

what their real interests and skills lie: do they want to

work through and put in place to be ready for employing

do front-line work with clients or are they more suited to

current service users (and don’t forget that trainees are

business support roles? Do they really want to work in the

employees). Employing someone is one of the most

homelessness sector or somewhere else entirely?

significant tasks an organisation carries out and for the sake of your service users, the people you are employing

Broadway has just started an exciting longitudinal

and all of your other staff it is really important that you

research project, ‘Keeping Work’ about homeless

do everything you can to ensure the right decisions are

people’s experiences of starting new jobs – what helps

made. You are still going to have to assess people’s

them keep the jobs they start, what they find hard about

core competences for the role and their readiness to be

starting new jobs, and why some fall out of work. The

employed – have you thought about how you will do this?

research is funded by Trust for London and (pending

What the interview process will involve and how you will

agreement) the Department for Work and Pensions, and

assist people to go through it? You may also have to think

is being conducted in partnership with Business Action on

about how you will deal with referencing, CRB checks,

Homelessness. When published in spring 2013 the report

approach issues of boundaries and confidentiality,

will provide a valuable resource to those organisations

and often how to deal with initial resistance of staff and

who want to think through how they are best placed to

service managers to the idea.

support service users into work.

Many smaller organisations may worry that they are less

Helen Giles is HR Director of Broadway and Managing Director of Broadway’s Real People HR consultancy www.broadwaysrealpeople.com

able to bear the risk if things don’t work out. This includes the processes and procedures that have to be gone

WWW.HOMELESS.ORG.UK

41

MICHAEL WHIPPMAN CLIENT INVOLVEMENT AWARD 2012 Celebrating client led physical activity projects that are inclusive and improve participants’ well being.

Looking after our wellbeing isn’t always easy, especially whilst homeless. Regular physical activity offers a way to improve an individual’s well being and reduce feelings of depression and anxiety.

This award is celebrating all types of activity: walking, swimming, jogging, gardening, dancing, anything; the important thing is that everybody has the opportunity to do something.

The deadline for applications is Friday 20 April 2012.

020 7840 4461

AWARDS@HOMELESSLINK.ORG.UK

WWW.HOMELESS.ORG.UK/MW2012

CONNECT MARCH 2012 | ISSUE 45

WHAT’S ON?

INSPIRED

UPCOMING TRAINING AND EVENTS FOR THE HOMELESSNESS SECTOR:

APRIL

MAY - JULY

11

17

GETTING IT RIGHT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

MAY

One-day, youth led, national conference that aims to put young people at the forefront of service provision

HOMELESSNESS TRANSITION FUND A free online event to provide guidance on the application process for round 2 of the Homelessness Transition Fund 3:00-4:00PM http://bit.ly/connect-htf-webinars

30

HOMELESSNESS TRANSITION FUND A free online event to provide guidance on the application process for round 2 of the Homelessness Transition Fund 10:00-11:00AM

BIRMINGHAM

www.homeless.org.uk/right-for-young-people

910

HOMELESS LINK ANNUAL CONFERENCE UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK For more information, please call 020 7840 4461

JULY

http://bit.ly/connect-htf-webinars

STAY IN THE LOOP For up to date information on events and training, visit...

www.homeless.org.uk/conference-diary www.homeless.org.uk/training ...and subscribe to our regular member bulletins...

www.homeless.org.uk/keep-informed

WWW.HOMELESS.ORG.UK WWW.HOMELESS.ORG.UK

43

COMMENT

CONNECT MARCH 2012 | ISSUE 45

RESOURCES We’ve pulled together a list of resources and research related to the features in CONNECT 44. If you have any information you would like to share with our member organisations, please write to editor@homelesslink.org.uk.

HOMELESS LINK INFORMATION

PUBLICATIONS

Take a Step - to help end rough sleeping

SNAP 2012

Join our new campaign - on our website or on

Explore the results of this year’s annual Survey of

Facebook.

Needs and Provision.

homeless.org.uk/take-a-step

homeless.org.uk/snap2012

facebook.com/homelesslink 2010 Street count and estimates by area Effective Action

bit.ly/streetcount2010

A new series of good practice guidance including cold winter provision, day centres and

Latest DCLG statutory homelessness figures

gauging the extent of rough sleeping

bit.ly/homelessness-q2-2011

homeless.org.uk/effective-action Homelessness Transition Fund Keep up to date on criteria, dates for funding rounds - and who has benefitted to date

CONTRIBUTOR LINKS

homeless.org.uk/fund Broadway - www.broadwaylondon.org Our policy work Where to start looking for information on our policy

The Cyrenians - www.tcuk.org

campaigning and lobbying. www.homeless.org.uk/policy-roundup

St Mungo’s - www.mungos.org

In the regions

Broadway - www.broadwaylondon.org

Meet your Homeless Link regional managers. homeless.org.uk/contact-regional-manager

Real People - www.broadwaysrealpeople.com

And your NAC representatives.

David Ford - www.davidford.co

homeless.org.uk/contact-nac Lift - www.liftpeople.org.uk

WWW.HOMELESS.ORG.UK 44

WWW.HOMELESS.ORG.UK