FEATURE I Serving in a crisis
Lifehouses in lockdown Regional Chaplaincy Officer Major Eleanor Haddick shares how the HSU Southern Region is responding to the coronavirus outbreak
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ITHIN The Salvation Army, the word ‘Lifehouse’ – like the word ‘homelessness’ – carries a variety of connotations, especially for the individuals and families who access these services. Lifehouses offer much more than a bed for the night. The Homelessness Services Unit (HSU) Southern Region 10
Salvationist 18 April 2020
covers Bristol, Highworth, Swindon, Portsmouth, Southampton and the Isle of Wight, with 120 staff and volunteers supporting an average of 340 service users in family services, rehabilitation, emergency accommodation, night shelters, transitional housing, floating support, outreach and more. Through providing psychologically informed environments, care and support we are blessed to see the amazing transforming work in those who are served. Just as in communities where many live and work, the Lifehouses are communities themselves. Similarly they have been affected by the coronavirus crisis. In what was already an over-stretched service, changes have been required to achieve the aims, mission and care for individual staff and service users.
Staff welfare checks have been increased for those at risk because of age or underlying health issues. Service users with complex needs, who may not fully understand what is happening, or the need to wash hands, all need extra support from staff. Some service users have been advised to self-isolate along with staff, who have to remain at home. Keeping staff and service users safe from infection is a priority, with staff naturally worried about bringing the virus in from, or taking it back to, their homes. Programmes have also had to be altered to accommodate social distancing. Football is a favourite pastime of many residents but is no longer being played. Visitors are restricted, with service users keeping contact through phones or computers. Computer hubs are being used to connect with outside support agencies.
