Supporting people to successfully move on from services
No two experiences of homelessness are identical. When people come through our doors at Your Place, issues can be short-term, such as an eviction, or longer-term issues that need addressing, such as mental or physical health needs that weren’t being met in a previous living setup.
Funmi is our Resettlement Worker. She works with all residents once they move on from Your Place, with a special focus on those who still need support once they’ve moved out. Here she talks about what ‘move-on’ support looks like.
“The process of move-on starts with our Housing Services team, who plan the next step for residents, and at information sessions, I am introduced to let them know there will be a friendly face to support them moving forward. I also hear from them about their needs and concerns around moving. For some it can be a long time coming, and there’s a lot of excitement, but naturally there’s also often anxiety around such a big life change.
“When we have a chat about what they need support with, sometimes that includes tasks such as setting up a utilities account, signposting to services in the community, signing up to their local GP practice, water, gas, electricity. All the must-haves are part of the process in making sure they feel as comfortable as possible in their new home.”
“I’m now in my new place but it’s great that I can still get some support here [from Your Place] if I need it.” – Theo*, former resident
“It’s important to remember that everyone has their own journey, and for some, moving on will be challenging. When there is a cultural or language barrier, such as if someone is living independently for the first time in the UK, I will go round to their new flat and show them exactly where everything is, and how things work, such as a gas meter. Introducing them to their local services can help people feel more at home, and supported by their community. There is often the need for an interpreter to help make things clearer, and this is where lots of services fail people such as refugees who have fled war zones and danger. They cannot even start to feel secure in their new communities if they cannot communicate, so I always ensure we are using interpreting services.
“When the former residents I’m working with have mental health needs, introducing them to the right services and community hubs is particularly important. With every resident, I keep in contact for nine months after they’ve left Your Place, so I can make sure they’re keeping up with appointments, know where everything is, and crucially that they know they have someone to talk to, and can share any concerns they have. I can extend that nine months if needed; we work it out on an individual basis.
“What my role comes down to is fighting the corner of the former residents. They’ve often been through challenges in life, and sometimes are still going through issues, so we need to work together to make sure people who have experienced homelessness are comfortable in their new home, and feel supported, so that they don’t experience social isolation and challenges alone.”
Last year, 100% of people who moved on from Your Place into their own accommodation maintained their new home for at least six months. We are really proud of every resident who has made this journey, and grateful to those who are supporting us to continue this work.
£30 could pay for wellbeing activities to help a former resident feel at ease in their new home
£50 could help pay for the essentials of independent living, such as crockery, toiletries, bedding, and pots and pans.
