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Issue 31 Spring 2008
the magazine for the homelessness sector
Joining the dots Connecting the evidence base for homelessness policy and practice One-day research conference 15 May 2008 CCT Venues Smithfield, London Evidence-based practice and policy decisions ensure that resources are most effectively allocated and that we provide the best possible services to our customers.
Features: Home schooling: helping young people break the no home-no job cycle
Joining the dots provides an opportunity to share the findings that have come out of recent research, to take stock of what has been achieved so far, to look to the future and discuss where we should take research into homelessness to achieve our goals.
Venture potential: how NOAH Enterprise’s furniture project keeps on growing
It is also an excellent chance for policy makers and service managers to find out about the evidence available to help them most effectively support and develop their work and to learn how the government uses research to inform the policy making process.
A Homeless Link event
Beauty treatment: helping women to achieve their potential
To book your place go to www.homeless.org.uk/ events or contact Kate Alaway on 020 7960 3032 or kate.alaway@homelesslink.org.uk
Cultivating activity: meaningful activity for older homeless people
www.homeless.org.uk
Pathways to employment
contents
UPFRONT / CONNECT
FOCUS
three-year support package, a fresh look at appropriate options for service users is required.
Education, training and employment for homeless people is an important area of focus for us and the people our sector serves. In No Home, No Job (Off the Streets and Into Work, 2005) 97% of homeless people say they want to work in the future and more than three quarters want to work straight away. Yet the reality is that much a smaller proportion works while homeless. Work is an important issue for the Government. In his first speech, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, James Purnell, stressed the need for more radical employment strategies for excluded people. Similarly, junior housing minister, Iain Wright, says: ‘Hostels of the future shouldn’t just provide a safety net, but a springboard to employment, opportunity and a better future.’ These positive signals help our sector to shape changes at national and local level. With the focus moving from people who can be helped into work within six months to a
More homelessness agencies are now promoting employment. Thames Reach is sharing the learning from the GROW project, a successful model for employing service users in our own organisations, and there are also great examples overseas. In the USA JHP, INC., an employment and training not for profit, has a better success record of helping homeless people finding and maintaining work than most mainstream employment agencies. This edition of Connect showcases some of our sector’s work in this area, demonstrating how this can be one of the quickest and most effective routes out of homelessness. To make it work to its full potential we need to challenge not only people using services, but our own attitudes.
The right deal for homeless people: Development in employment policy........................................................................................... 9
Making ICT Connections
focus
Learning curve: Policy developments in learning and skills.......................................................................... 8
In this issue We explore education, employment and training initiatives for homeless people.
issues
Contact us
Nice work, if you can get it: overcoming barriers to employment................ 11 A step on the ladder: giving homeless people an equal footing in recruitment. ................................................................................12
Editor: Joanne Roberts Designer: Source Communications We welcome any feedback or comments on Connect. Please send them to: Editor – Connect, Homeless Link, First floor, 10-13 Rushworth Street, London SE1 0RB Tel: 020 7960 3010 Fax: 020 7960 3011 connect@homelesslink.org.uk
Advertise with us
PRACTICE
THE BIG QUESTION Are social enterprises the way forward for homelessness agencies?................................................................................... 13 OPINION Home-grown expertise: John Crowther on employing service users in the sector............................................................................... 15
Home-grown experts
issues
Our Survey of needs and provision reveals that 55% of service users have low support needs. However, sometimes our own expectations are too low, assuming that anyone who is homeless doesn’t have the capacity to move into work without many other changes in their lives. Yet we know that there is great talent and potential in the people who use homelessness services, as The Michael Whippman Awards acknowledged.
POLICY
features Home schooling: helping young people break the no home-no job cycle...................................................................... 17 Venture potential: how NOAH Enterprise’s furniture project keeps on growing......................................... 19
To advertise in Connect email connect@homelesslink.org.uk
Beauty treatment: helping women to achieve their potential....................................................................................... 21
Theme of next issue
Cultivating activity: meaningful activity for older homeless people............................................................................... 23
Engaging with local communities
Venture potential
features
‘More than half of the users of this sector’s services users have low support needs. Are our ambitions for their progress high enough?,’ asks Jenny Edwards, chief executive of Homeless Link
Homeless Link news....................................................................................................................................3 What’s on............................................................................................................................................................... 6 Member news.....................................................................................................................................................7 Cover image: St Mungo’s
Issue 21 31 Issue Spring 08 Sept 06
With some notable exceptions, employment has not had widespread attention within our own sector. The received wisdom was that work wouldn’t pay and that people should wait until they were settled to think about employment. There were some practical issues behind this lack of ambition – funding was scarce for in-house training and support alongside resistance by external agencies to working with homeless people.
THE MAGAZINE FROM HOMELESS LINK
Trapped
spotlight
up front
Spotlight
Deadlines Deadline for next issue: 23 April 2008
PEOPLE People profile: Helen Giles, Human Resources Director, Broadway....... 27 Public inquiry: Aggrie Chikiwa........................................................................ 28
Opinions expressed in Connect do not necessarily reflect Homeless Link policy.
REVIEWs Wasted, by Mark Johnson................................................................................ 29 Trapped, Shelter 2008..................................................................................... 29 RESOURCES How we got the grant............................................................................................................................. 30 Charity registration No.1089173 Company Registration No. 4313826
homeless link news
THE MAGAZINE FROM HOMELESS LINK
focus
FOCUS / CONNECT
Homeless Link’s parliamentary reception, held at Portcullis House on 8 February, provided an ideal opportunity to pay tribute to the invaluable contributions of homeless people and day centres to the communities in which they live and work.
February saw the launch of a groundbreaking research report by Homeless Link and Resource Information Service (RIS) into needs and provision for homeless people.
Grant Shapps MP presents the Michael Whippman Award to Aggrie Chikiwa, Anchor House resident.
The junior housing minister, Iain Wright agreed. ‘We have a real chance to build on the successes we have seen in the last 10 years. Junior housing minister Iain Wright (centre) presents Michael Whippman Award to representatives of the Gareth Lloyd Maintenance Group in Chester. At the event, hosted by MP Karen Buck, the 2008 Michael Whippman Awards and the first ever John Laing Charitable Trust Day Centre of the Year awards were presented by junior housing minister, Iain Wright; shadow Conservative and Liberal Democrat housing ministers Grant Shapps and Lembit Opik, and Mick Hamilton from The John Laing Charitable Trust. The Michael Whippman Award for an individual was presented to Aggrie Chikiwa, a resident of Anchor House in London. The Gareth Lloyd Maintenance Group was the winning group (p 28). Small day centre of the year was Tyneside Cyrenians’ Ron Eager
House with NOAH Enterprise in Luton winning in the large day centre category (p 30). On presenting the award for large day centre Mick Hamilton said: ‘Contributing to the community is a good way of integrating homeless people and there were so many fantastic stories about this happening.’ The event also served to strengthen cross-party support for the goal of ending homelessness. Homeless Link chief executive Jenny Edwards described homelessness as an area where there is agreement across all parties. ‘Great progress has been made, but we need to go further and faster!’
We have seen a two-thirds reduction in the worst type of homelessness – people sleeping on the street – but we need to go further and faster … to unlock everyone’s talent and potential.’ Lembit Opik described his role as Liberal Democrat shadow housing minister as ‘the most important job I have ever done.’ He added: ‘We are beginning to work together and transcend politics.’ Tory shadow housing minister Grant Shapps described his recent experience sleeping out with rough sleepers in his constituency, which had taught him that ‘despite a chaotic life it is still possible to turn your life around.’ Sources To find out more about the winners and runners-up visit www.homeless.org.uk/ whippman and www.homeless.org.uk/laing
This is the first time the sector has had baseline demographic data on the state of the sector, showing the true complexity and vulnerability of our client group. Funded by Communities and Local Government (CLG) and CRASH, the research uncovers substantial amounts of data on services provided by day centres; bed spaces and use of hostels and other accommodation; the support needs of people who access homelessness services, and how these services are funded. We know, for example, that there are 187 day centres in England for homeless single people and couples, helping some 10,000 people a day. Combining information from Supporting People and Homeless UK shows that there are over 50,000 bedspaces in hostels and
Photography: Richard Bailey. 020 8450 4148
Setting the baseline for the sector Photography this page: Anthony Lydekker
Recognising community involvement
supported accommodation in England. Two hundred and fortysix of the projects delivering this accommodation are defined as direct access hostels, which are generally short stay services with 24 hour staffing, frequent vacancies, no or limited waiting lists and that often accept self referrals. The survey also confirmed that substance misuse, mental health problems and offending behaviours are common among clients in all homelessness services, but more importantly clients often present with more than one issue. In over half of services over 50 per cent of clients have multiple needs, defined as three or more of the other listed support needs. For day centres this is true for two-thirds. By providing the first national picture of services this study can both inform decision making and provide a baseline for identifying trends within the sector. This research has demonstrated the
usefulness of analysing existing data about services and combining it with new survey data from providers to give rich information about services that help tens of thousands of people in England each year. Sources Download the summary report and full report from www.homeless.org.uk/ policyandinfo/research/mapping
New members We welcome the following new members: Arch North Staffs Christian Alliance Housing Association Quay Foyer The Bosco Society The Streetlife Trust
FOCUS / CONNECT
whats on
THE MAGAZINE FROM HOMELESS LINK
focus
homeless link news
Making ICT connections
Our study of existing provision revealed some common issues among the membership relating to outcome monitoring, using databases and how to set up and maintain websites.
In November Homeless Link started the ICT project, in partnership with ICT Hub, with the aim of supporting areas of need within homelessness agencies for computer based technology.
The Report identifies four key outcomes
Thames Reach, Homeless Link, London
1. There is a need for more training and information dissemination in all areas.
Contact: Kate Alaway 020 7960 3032 or events@ homelesslink.org.uk
In November Homeless Link started the ICT project, in partnership with ICT Hub, with the aim of supporting areas of need within homelessness agencies for computer based technology.
We held three regional events in Leeds and London that offered low cost alternatives to support ICT. IT4Communities presented information on obtaining ICT volunteers; Jamie’s Computers
2. There is a significant use of ICT by staff but there is still a high demand for website and database support. 3. Financial investment to cover ICT issues is substantial. 4. New technologies to support staff and service users are needed.
Making the extraordinary ordinary: Giving Real Opportunities for Work
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9 spoke about their work on distributing low cost PCs through the social enterprise, and UKOnline discussed the support they offer in setting up new projects. We would like to thank all the speakers and organisations that attended for their support and discussions For further information visit www. homeless.org.uk/ developyourservice/topics/ICT or email Craig Weeks (craig.weeks@ homelesslink.org.uk)
• Central and Eastern Europeans: Building on our work to highlight the needs of people from Eastern European Accession states, this new policy project will work with government departments, homelessness agencies and a wide range of partners to reduce rough sleeping among this group. The action plan will draw on London experiences but will have a wider application to other parts of the country. For further information see www.homeless.org.uk/policyandinfo/issues/EU10s • Ending rough sleeping in Europe: Homeless Link wrote to Members of European Parliament in February urging them to sign a written declaration in support of a goal to end rough sleeping in Europe. The European federation of organisations working to tackle homelessness, FEANTSA, has launched the campaign, and 260 MEPs have signed the declaration. For further information go to www.homeless.org. uk/policyandinfo/campaigns. • Enterprising event: At a regional social enterprise Sound Off event in Wakefield specialist Charity and Company Law solicitor Alice Faure-Walker spoke for the motion: ‘Community Interest Companies offer a sound legal form for social enterprise.’ Speaking against was Paula Denison from Social Enterprise Link. The conclusion was a score draw: there are strengths and weaknesses with all types of company structures and it is best to get advice from a specialist that understands the ‘not for profit’ sector. For further information about this event contact Joe Kent, our regional manager for Yorkshire and Humberside at joe.kent@homelesslink.org.uk
Managing conflict, violence and aggressive situations Homeless Link, London
Joining the dots Homeless Link, London This research conference will provide an opportunity to share the findings that have come out of recent research, to take stock on what has been achieved so far and to look to the future and discuss where we should take research into homelessness to achieve our zgoals.
A one-day conference on employing service users within the homelessness sector.
Contact: Kate Alaway 020 7960 3032 or events@homelesslink.org.uk
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Effective keyworking Homeless Link, London This course helps the keyworker develop skills and models to tailor his/her style to a wide range of needs.
This course provides practical, realistic advice and techniques for frontline workers who face verbal abuse, threats and aggression from service users.
Contact: 020 7960 3030 or training@homelesslink.org.uk
Contact: 020 7960 3030 or training@homelesslink.org.uk
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Mental health and homelessness Homeless Link, London This practical course aims to increase workers’ knowledge and build skills for working with homeless clients who have mental health issues.
June 9
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Working with suicidal and self-harming clients Homeless Link, London This course is designed to give an insight into clients suffering from suicidal ideation, or who may have problems with self-injury.
Contact: 020 7960 3030 or training@homelesslink.org.uk
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Contact: 020 7960 3030 or training@homelesslink.org.uk
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Difficult, dangerous and disturbing behaviour Homeless Link, London A dramatised course, allowing participants to consider the point of crisis and the skills necessary to achieve a successful resolution.
Welfare benefits overview Homeless Link, London This course will provide participants with an excellent introduction to the welfare benefits system and a practical guide to claiming the most important benefits. Contact: 020 7960 3030 or training@homelesslink.org.uk
Contact: 020 7960 3030 or training@homelesslink.org.uk
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Train the trainer Homeless Link, London This course aims to equip individuals with the confidence to speak publicly and prepar, plan and deliver a presentation. Contact: 020 7960 3030 or training@homelesslink.org.uk
May 6
Arrears prevention Homeless Link, London This course will have an emphasis on developing a pretenancy service and payment culture long before the client moves into an independent tenancy.
Contact: 020 7960 3030 or training@homelesslink.org.uk
In brief
Working with the homelessness law Homeless Link, London This course will look at the implications of the housing and homelessness legislation, identifying the responsibilities of the local authority to single homeless people.
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Motivational interviewing Homeless Link, London A chance to learn the underlying principles, techniques and practices of motivational interviewing and its relevance in a housing context. Contact: 020 7960 3030 or training@homelesslink.org.uk
Contact: 020 7960 3030 or training@homelesslink.org.uk
• High impact: Our impact report charts our achievements in our first six years of existence. Read it at www.homeless.org.uk/aboutus/annualreport Key
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April
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FOCUS / CONNECT
Agency CV
Barnardo’s North West Homelessness Project –
MOVING ON Location: Preston, Lancashire
duties they may have under the homelessness legislation.
Works with: Young people aged 16-25 who are homeless or in housing need
Biggest challenge/achievement: We are proud to be part of the Urban Exchange, a multi-agency partnership delivering services to young people in the centre of Preston. It took a lot of hard work to get this off the ground and requires the same to keep it going
Service type: Advice and information service; floating support scheme; partnership with Preston Nightstop – Nightstop and Supported Lodgings Specialist projects: We are piloting a project in partnership with Lancashire Youth Offending Team and Connexions assessing 16 and 17 year olds housing needs prior to release from custody. The project aims to aid young peoples’ transition from the Young Offenders Institution into their local area by making housing applications and informing the local authority of any potential
St Mungo’s launches Pathways to employment In January St Mungo’s launched a new pilot employment scheme that aims to support and empower homeless men and women to take measurable steps towards employment.
THE MAGAZINE FROM HOMELESS LINK
focus
members
policy
In the pipeline: Improved services for homeless 16 and 17 year olds through better joint working between us, Preston City Council (Housing) and Lancashire County Council (Children’s Social Care). Further information: http://www.barnardos.org.uk/ movingon Contact us: sian.davis@barnardos.org.uk
Pathways to employment will offer an activities programme, vocational guidance, key skills training, a certificated basic skills training and job search opportunities at two of its hostels in London. The aim is to roll out the programme to three other projects between 2008 – 2009. For further information contact Rod Cullen at Rodc@mungos.org or 020 8762 5648.
STOP PRESS As we go to press, we are deeply saddened to learn of the recent death of Gordon Campbell who was awarded an OBE in the 2007 Honours for services to homeless people in London. For more than nine years Gordon worked tirelessly in Government on many initiatives that have had a huge impact on the lives of rough sleepers and single homeless people across the country. We intend to pay tribute to Gordon and his achievements in more detail in the next issue, however, in the meantime, please join us in sending your thoughts to his family and former colleagues.
Learning curve Although the development of learning and skills for homeless people is taking more centre stage politically, the fight must go on to ensure that it’s put into practice on the ground, says Duncan Shrubsole, director of policy and research at Crisis UK I wrote in Autumn 2006 about the campaign Crisis had launched Weapons of Mass Instruction – Fighting Homelessness through Learning & Skills. We wanted the government to join up its learning and homelessness policies and funding to support learning for the right people in the right places with the right approach. So what did we do? We took the campaign to the party conferences; Crisis’ public campaigners wrote to MPs and over 150 signed an Early Day Motion; ministers visited our services and met with clients who told of the benefits of the opportunities they had got involved in, but also the barriers they faced. We had articles in specialist media, the Guardian and broadcast and worked in partnership with a range of learning organisations, including co-ordinating a joint letter to the Chancellor calling for learning for socially excluded adults to be a priority. So what has been achieved? Education ministers have now mentioned homeless people explicitly as the right people who
need to be engaged in learning. Many local authorities are putting real emphasis on learning and skills development for homeless people and in London the Mayor’s new housing strategy prioritises initiatives that tackle homelessness and worklessness. Places of Change (formerly Hostels Capital Improvement Programme) is creating a network of places that are right for getting homeless people involved in learning and training to change themselves. Department for Innovation Universities and Skills and Department for Work and Pensions have now recognised that for those furthest from the labour market, the right approach is to provide more tailored Junior Housing Minister Iain Wright at opening of Skylight centre in Newcastle support, using the voluntary sector, that skills So for Crisis, with others, the work development has wider social continues. We will need to shout a justice benefits, and that informal little louder; to work a little smarter, learning has real value. After much through documenting outcomes lobbying by many, ministers have and working in partnership with committed to reviewing the 16-hour mainstream providers; and we will rule, a real cap on aspirations. The certainly need to work harder to Hills report highlighted the need to help more people transform their better link housing and work advice lives and move and to tackle the traps in housing towards employment. benefit, and a new Public Service Agreement emphasises the Ultimately, as the junior housing importance of being in a ‘Settled minister Iain Wright said in opening home and in education, training Crisis’ new Skylight centre in and employment’. Newcastle last autumn, it has to be There is much to welcome. Yet, too often, the specific needs of homeless people are still not addressed in practice, and money does not make its way to those delivering on the ground. Those wanting to deliver the Learning Power Award can’t get funding, despite the fact that the Learning and Skills prioritises the award nationally..
about ambition for ourselves as organisations and above all for those we work with. Despite their circumstances they deserve and, with the right support and opportunities, can achieve the best. Sources For further information contact Duncan Shrubsole at duncan.shrubsole@crisis.org.uk.