Our Story 2014-15
Trevor Pickup, Chief Executive
A Welcome from Trevor Welcome to the 2014-15 Impact Report. This report describes some of the work that we have been undertaking over the last 12 months. It has been a successful year, we have been busy. With projects in Southampton, Portsmouth and across Hampshire, there is a lot going on. However, simply being busy is not sufficient; we also need to have an impact. Things need to be different because something has changed. People need to be supported to reduce drug and alcohol use, secure housing, manage their mental health or other issues, build confidence, gain qualifications and attend training and this is what we have been supporting people to do. In these times of limited finances, the work needs to be effective and this report gives some examples of how that has been achieved. Over the last year, we’ve made a huge impact both in the lives of the individuals we have worked with, but also within the communities where we are working. The future, however, is uncertain. Much of our income comes from local authorities or other government bodies, and we have been warned that significant cuts to our services are on the way. In addition, as a charitable housing association, a large proportion of our income comes through rent. Recent changes announced by the government will require us to reduce rents over the next four years, taking about £240,000 out of our budget by 2019.
So my message is, “We have had a good year and achieved a great deal but the future of some of our services is uncertain.” We are making an impact, please read the accounts of services and projects, of activities and events and the stories of how lives have changed, as we have engaged with people and begun to see them transform their lives.
2 Keep up to date with us online: www.ssj.org.uk www.twitter.com/ssjcharity www.facebook.com/SocietyofStJames
Noel Cato, Chair of the Board of Trustees
A Few Words from Noel As with every year since the introduction of the Impact Report, this has been another successful and effective year for the Society of St James. We continue to cope with difficult and changing economic and regulatory conditions for our charitable sector and an increase in the level and intensity of competition for contracts from other charities and, increasingly so, from the private sector.
“However there have been as many and, it could be argued, even more challenging changes for the people we are supporting.” This report on our work across Hampshire provides an insight into the impact and effectiveness of the hard work and determination of our staff and Trustees. This is a good opportunity for me to thank both the staff team and the Board of Trustees. I’d like to offer particular thanks to Mark Day, and David Blake whose time with the Board came to an end this summer.
It is with great pride that I commend this report to you, highlighting another year of growth, development and impact for the Society. Key examples of which have been our turnover increasing to £8 million, the organisation being awarded the Gold Standard from Investors in People, and many of the people that we are supporting taking steps to turn their lives around; several of them being nominated for or winning awards in the process.
Board of Trustees Geoffrey Barwick Jon Diaper Jenny Dawes Jill Lovelock Jill Maguire Tim Rogerson David Scott Geoff Ward
Patron Andrew Kent
Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire
3
First Steps
Beyond a Roof Southampton Intensive Homelessness Service For people who need accommodation with intensive support.
75%
m 10 of people moved on fro nned pla a Southampton Street in and positive way.
6 50
ab, people moved on to reh
r referrals were made to ou Saints4Sport project
St Theresa’s House and Lawn Road For people who are taking further steps towards independence.
Jordan House For people who are ready for more independent living.
Over the course of the year we supported 43 people across both St Theresa’s house and Lawn Road.
At Jordan House (and surrounding flats) we have supported 79 people during the year. 48 have moved on and 31 people are still with us.
77%
of people moving on from St Theresa’s and Lawn Road did so in a positive, planned way.
One
of these people is now in full time employment.
What’s new? We are in the process of preparing a Tenancy Preparation Project. This will consist of four weekly sessions to include budgeting for a flat, seeking and keeping own accommodation, and life skills such as cooking. People who complete the four sessions will receive a certificate, information pack and the skills necessary to maintain their own accommodation. On alternate weeks, we are organising activities both at the hostel and off site. We recently had a BBQ which was well attended and a great success.
4 “When I needed help, the staff were there to give it – from emotional support to support with my mental health, to getting me motivated to begin to take charge of my life.”
94%
of people who’ve moved on from Jordan House in a positive, planned way are still successfully maintaining their accommodation. What’s changed? Within the last year Jordan house’s Re-Cycle Bike scheme has developed dramatically, taking on a number of volunteer’s referred from external agencies. Bike sales have been at an all-time high, allowing us to purchase a van to enhance bike collections. This has also allowed volunteers to attend events within Southampton and Portsmouth where they deal with the public and assist them with their bike issues this is called our ‘Bike Doctor’.
Camping Trip from our Southampton Street hostel!
“We had a v ery successfu l camping trip to The New Forest at wh ich residents as well as St aff had a gre at time. As well as having a break from th e norm, peo ple have to coo k for themse lv es and erect th e campsite. This involves work ing together as a team whic h they do ve ry successfully .
Wayne Fresle, Project Worke r
5 7
First Steps
Beyond a Roof All Saints For young people in Portsmouth who are homeless. Last year 57 young people moved in to All Saints and 62 young people moved on. We supported 79 people in total over the course of the year. We reviewed the life skills pack as part of a focus group and redesigned by our young people in the format they chose. People review A mid-year Supporting t: tha ed identifi
97%
at All Saints had of young people staying physical health ir the e rov managed to imp
89%
ving on from the of the young people mo accommodation tled service found secure, set staff. from t por sup h wit
100%
d with achieved more of the people we worke control. and choice
“Staff at All Saints always had time for me and listened when I needed help.” Hannah, All Saints
Portsmouth Substance Misuse Accommodation For people wanting to tackle their addictions. During the last year we supported around 147 people in our service. One of those people was Richard. He, and his dog (Moo Moo), came to us in September last year. Richard has maintained his abstinence and has been substance free for 18 months. Richard had been in and out of prison and on Drug Rehabilitation Requirements (DRR’s) for the last 25 years. For the first time in his life, Richard has completed his probation and DRR. He’s also successfully graduated from SSJ Community Day Rehab. Richard is now involved with a new project working with prisoners close to their release date. He is supporting them to access what they need in the community i.e. housing, drug and alcohol services, benefits etc. Richard’s future role will be escorting prisoners on release to probation / housing etc. Richard has now moved into his own council flat with his dog Moo Moo, who is a strong part of his recovery, and is continuing to move forward with his life.
6
“Thank you SSJ for your help and support in my recovery and successfully moving me and my much loved dog into a secure and lovely accommodation.”
Sport
Building Recovery Communities Sea fishing days with Wet Wheels project.
Re-Fit Our sports service for people in Portsmouth. 299 people accessed Re-Fit from April 2014 March 2015 44 people have gained employment from the start of the project to date
“I can really honestly say that the Re-Fit staff, Paul and Jim, have given me good guidance and support. My life now is just so different to the way it was. I have my family back in my life and I have made good friends. I can say that I enjoy life now it’s got a meaning.” Re-Fit Participant
Qualifications 32 people have gained qualifications through the Re-Fit project. These include Royal Society for Public Health certificates in Health, Motor Mechanic qualifications, Volunteering Training with us here at SSJ, and certificates awarded through our Recovery Kitchen.
How’s the future looking? We have recently secured nine Mountain bikes as well as a qualified instructor to facilitate bike rides around the local area We have also started Women’s Get-Fit sessions to encourage women to engage in sport.
7
Sport
Building Recovery Communities We’re also working in partnership with the Probation Service, Southern Health, Homeless Hostels, Mental Health Projects and local Substance Misuse Services. We provide a Boxfit class, Gym & Swim sessions and golf. These sessions gives people structure, something positive to look forward to and a safe social environment. The numbers of people attending are starting to increase at each session, especially women participating.
Saints4Sport Our sports service for people in Southampton.
904
sessions were attended by over 500 people last year.
162
people enrolled on an accreditation / course including fishing, Active IQ, Health & Safety and First Aid.
“Through Saints4Sport I have been able to meet new people who are not involved in drugs, and I’m changing the sphere of influence in my life. My health has improved since attending the sessions.”
8
“For anyone potentially thinking about coming to Saints4Sport sessions I would say that it’s great because it keeps you busy and stops you falling back into the condition you were in.” What’s new? Hants4Sport
In the past year the Saints4Sport project has expanded to Winchester and Basingstoke. We are working closely with HIOM – Hampshire Integrated Offender Management, who aim to reduce re-offending by working to turn around the lives of offenders who cause the most harm in our communities in terms of crime and anti-social behaviour.
9 “Finding Saints4Sport has been a blessing, it’s the first step on the ladder to leading a Great life.”
10 “I have my family back, friends back and a satisfaction at the end of each day that I have achieved something.�
Building Recovery Communities
Scott
they still come. One guy just had a kid and he’s out working every day now, supporting his partner and family. That for me is worth way more, the football is just the way they changed their conduct, they’re a credit to themselves. Another thing that’s really important for me, is the individual progression of guys in the team. Some of them were nowhere near the skill standard needed to compete, but the way they have transformed themselves, the level of their abilities, and as human beings, is astounding. The improvement has just been phenomenal.
A lot of the team members just needed some self-belief and confidence. Part of Scott’s role as Sports Coordinator has involved taking over running the football sessions for the 11 a-side team. The team play in a summer league and in the Winter Active Nation Floodlight league which is affiliated with the FA. “The team has really grown over the last year, both together and as individuals. I looked through a team photo from before I took over, and maybe two or three of the guys were employed. Now, only two of the fifteen in our squad aren’t working; that in itself is huge. Everyone is turning up every week. The commitment is so impressive, especially as they are mostly working now too. One lad arrives in his high-vis jacket and hard-hat because he’s come straight from work to football. Many of them have families now, but
You can see the change in them, when their eyes light up because, all of a sudden, someone actually believes in them.
We’re talking about people who have been put down most of their lives, they’re lacking confidence through so many different circumstances; a lot of the time just a simple “well done” can make a huge difference. So, something that’s amazing is the guys we’re working with now believe in what they’re doing. This team never cease to amaze me. Just when I think I’ve seen it all with themthey shock me with their behaviour and the way they now conduct themselves. When
a new guy first turned up recently, literally everyone offered to come off the pitch and let him have a go. In football that’s unheard of. People don’t volunteer to come off, but that everyone offered so that he could have a go and gain some experience; that’s fantastic. They’re a good group of guys that needed a different approach. They needed discipline and structure and ultimately someone to believe in them; they just needed to be told that they were good enough to do what they’re doing rather than be told what they were doing wrong. We work on the positives and then constructively work on the negatives, but we do work on it all. Accessing Saints4Sport gives the guys hope. It gives them something to concentrate on, something fun and structured to do. It teaches good life skills like how to conduct themselves in general society. At Saints4Sport, we’re just fortunate enough to do this all through football and sport.
That’s what I believe: sport is a massive weapon for change. Football is the highlight of their week. I probably get that said to me more often than anything else. The highlight of their week. They come along and spend time with people who’ve had similar experiences, good and bad, and they love the fact they can come and be themselves and nobody is judging them, we just play football and, at the moment, it’s going really, really well.”
11 “One thing I do look forward to every week.” Saints4Sport Participant
Chris
Somewhere between leaving school and starting university, Chris had already developed a serious problem with alcohol. During his time at university, including a gap year in the US, Chris experimented with an increasing number of substances, both pharmaceutical and illegal. Chris experienced what he described as;
“… the first ‘no end in sight’ bender of my drug career. I was up for 3 days at a time, snorting coke and smoking crack and crystal meth, and then about 2 days to recuperate using heroin and other downers I could find … The truth is that I didn’t care if I lived or died.” Following this episode, Chris described himself for a brief period as a “functional addict”. This period of functionality didn’t last. Here are Chris’ own words describing what happened next for him. “I lost my job, ran up thousands of pounds of debt, severely compromised my physical and mental health and ended up living in near isolation. When I was thrown out of my house by my family I ended up sleeping in spots around town that I remembered from my drinking days in college, in part because I didn’t even know where any of my friends lived. I hadn’t seen anyone in about 18
12 “It’s been tough but it’s worth it.”
months, having unconsciously swapped all my real world friends for the virtual friends that were other drug addicts that live on internet drug forums and helped justify my own drug use and lifestyle. … I needed to come back home as I was totally out of money but had been told that, if I returned without being officially signed up to some sort of drug recovery programme, I would have the police called on me. This was how I ended up at The Bridge [now the Southampton Drug and Alcohol Recovery Service]. The whole act of signing up as a service user was a really strange experience for me to be honest. I had seen myself as a kind of drugs expert, evidenced by the fact that everyone knew me as “Chemical Chris” and the fact that I could be counted upon to turn up anywhere within a moment’s notice with a bag full of all sorts of uppers and downers to satisfy anyone’s individual chemical needs. I had taken drugs because I liked them, not because I had a problem. I knew that my life had taken a down turn over the last few years but I had solid explanations to account for all this that no way implicated the drugs I was taking. I knew that the people around me were prejudiced against drug users and that this was why they had conspired against me, littering my path with obstacles to keep me down. It felt strange sitting in the upstairs room at The Bridge with one of the volunteers going through my introduction session with me. I sat there with the realisation,
“I f***ed up”, “I lost”, “I‘m an addict.”
Fortunately I was able to get it together and find recovery. I was assigned a really good key worker who understood how lost I felt and managed to instill in me some sort of belief that I could rebuild my life again. I also had access to the Saints4Sport programme which played no small part in keeping me sane. There were different sports activities for me to go to each day which both helped keep me out of trouble and give me social contact at a time when I was extremely isolated. There was also an art group and chess club at The Bridge which I got right into and helped sort me out. It was very tough going however, in spite of all the support. It was about two months before I really felt things start to improve. After that two month mark things started to come together fairly rapidly. I had actually been slightly worried about whether I would want to go back to using drugs when I felt better. However it was more like the taste of normality made me crave more of that stuff instead.
My confidence improved and I started feeling happy a lot of the time. At six months I was able to start volunteering with The Bridge (B2V) and Saints4Sport and after another five months of volunteering I became a member of the Saints4Sport team myself where I am able to continue helping other service users on their own personal journey to wherever life will take them. It’s been tough but it’s worth it.”
Chris pictured with Aime, both Sessional Workers with Saints4Sport.
Building Recovery Communities
13
1414 “The sense of satisfaction they have found from standing back and admiring their work, is immensely rewarding.� Sarah Maxwell, Recovery Allotment
Treatment and Recovery
Building Recovery Communities Southampton Drug and Alcohol Recovery Services For people who need support with their substance addiction. Formerly The Bridge ‘Open access’ drug service (for anyone who wants to begin a recovery journey), The DIP (Drug Intervention Programme), and IOM (Integrated Offender Management): support for drug users within the criminal justice system, this service was restructured and relaunched in December 2014 as the Southampton Drug and Alcohol Recovery Service. Working in partnership with CRI, No Limits, and Southern NHS we continue to deliver recovery services and structured intervention groups in the city. The new service started operating in December and includes a range of treatment and support groups for people in recovery including a Recovery Allotment, a Film-making Group, and a Cannabis Support Group.
170 people have been supported in the new service.
Portsmouth Recovery Day Services For people in recovery from drug and alcohol misuse, in the community.
Community Group Programme
We are currently working with approximately 150 people where drugs and/or alcohol have been identified as being problematic.
250 people have accessed the group programme over the last year.
Community Day Rehab
The Community Day Rehab accommodates up to 16 people who attend daily Monday – Friday, 09.30am – 16.00pm on a rolling programme.
We have seen
65
last 12 people go through the project in the months.
“I have been attending both the Art Group and the Crafts Group at Day Rehab. This has been wonderful for me and I have made many new friends here. I am going through some quite difficult health issues at present and [...] this is something that I could really enjoy. I’ve always loved arts and crafts and the groups have enabled me to express myself creatively while also giving me a sense of belonging. I find it very therapeutic indeed.” Angie, Recovery Group Attendee
t and Of those 65, 16 are still in treatmen
37
t have successfully graduated treatmen complete, drug and alcohol free.
Portsmouth Recovery Day Service comprises two projects which operate interdependently. The projects are Community Group Programme (Structured Day Service) and Community Day Rehab.
15 “Becoming a volunteer made me realise my potential and gave me a sense of belonging within the team. It’s made me realise anything I put my mind to I can achieve which has given me massive opportunities.” Recovery Day Service Volunteer
Southampton Activer Recovery (SoAR)
Marilyn & Geoff Southampton Active Recovery (SoAR) SoAR is a peer-led recovery group for people in Southampton, who aim to provide recovering addicts with a safe and secure environment to access activities and support. We spoke with Geoff and Marilyn, who are both on the committee for SoAR, about how they started working with us, what has changed through SoAR, and what they are looking forward to.
“One of the main points about SoAR is giving people things to do that are totally different from drinking alcohol. For most people all their social life has involved the pub, or drinking with friends, and then, in the advanced stages often solitary drinking. But the thing that people most want from us is something to do.” Geoff: “In 2005, I completed a detox and managed to stay dry for five years but I fell off the wagon. The usual story: “just the one won’t hurt” and in no time at all, one became three and three became every day drinking again. My recent involvement with SSJ came about two years ago after I was seriously ill; I was found unconscious in my garden
by my neighbour. Alcohol was certainly a major factor. The hospital referred me to the Pathfinders group and I’ve been involved with SSJ ever since.” Marilyn: “I’ve spent my life going in and out of hospital and rehab - I’ve done so many detoxes and always ended up using again. This time, my drinking caused me to end up in hospital. An alcohol specialist nurse came to see me and put me in touch with SSJ. They came to see me to tell me about the new project they were starting for people in recovery so that once their formal treatment ended; there was something to fall back on.” Geoff: “Before my involvement with SoAR I hardly knew anyone in the City whereas now I know lots of people. Over the last 12 months we’ve had lots of help and training. Some things I already knew, but my previous experience was very different from running this kind of group - I’ve needed to learn new things.
Almost certainly, without SOAR I would be drinking again.” Marilyn: “SoAR has helped me so much. If it wasn’t for SoAR in my life, I’d feel depressed. I’ve got a lot more to do. I have a purpose and life is really good for me now. I’ve received a level two qualification in community development involving how to form a committee, and how to run and advertise your community group and I’m even doing a Health & Social Care course, which looks at mental illness and recognising different problems. If it wasn’t for SoAR, I’m sure I would be
drinking again, and I’m sure it’s the same for a lot of those that come to group. Some people lapse, some people relapse but they always find their way back to us. Having SoAR there really makes a difference. We give somewhere to go and something to do and somewhere to have a chat. We don’t really talk about alcohol at the group unless someone needs to, then Geoff & I are peer mentors and we’re open for people to come and talk to us.” Geoff: “My aim over the next 12 months is to make sure that SoAR flourishes. Now our members are being trained we can run more activities ourselves. We need SSJ; as the organisation dealing with the treatment of people with alcohol problems, we need that contact so that people can be sent to us after they’ve finished their support. At the moment, most of us are alcohol users but we need to open the doors to all substances, which we’re looking forward to doing over the next year.” Marilyn: “On a Monday night we run a really successful cooking group. About 16 people attend and we cook a meal together. We’ve organised a tutor to teach Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificates with everyone. There’s a thrill of achieving something and that’s what I want everyone else to feel; the thrill of achievement. So we’re looking forward to starting a similar group on a Wednesday. I’m looking forward to developing SoAR as far as possible, over the next year.”
16 “We want to do something different and bring in new people. It’s all about trying different things, see how it grabs people’s attention.” Marilyn, SoAR
Opportunities
Skills & Employment Saints4Sport Pathways2Employment An initiative from Saints4Sport, for people who want to take steps back towards employment.
B2V For people wanting to volunteer in addiction services and provide peer support. We had 75 Volunteers working with us over the last year.
Of our B2V volunteers;
We’ve continued in our successful partnership with Premier Inn, who have offered work placements for those who have previously found it difficult to find employment.
72%
56
had prior drug and/or alcohol abuse issues before volunteering.
people attended workshops to find out what working at Premier Inn involves
50 people had interviews for a placement
27 people undertook a placement with Premier Inn
“The people we work with face three major obstacles to employment, a history of drug use, a criminal background, and lack of experience. Through this programme all three of these obstacles can be overcome.”
Rewind For people with a criminal background to share their experiences and benefit others. We’ve presented 29 times in 2014-15. A mail out to all the schools in Hampshire promoting Rewind, and detailing the aims of our programme resulted in Rewind presenting in nine new schools this year with more coming in. We also were invited to present by and alongside Hampshire Police at Itchen College at a showing of the play, ‘Mum can you lend my £20’, in October with students and professionals attending performances. Rewind have continued to work with Southampton Youth Offending Team and are awaiting instruction from them with a view to working with Southampton’s most prolific young offenders.
98%
remain abstinent.
47%
had previous involvement with criminal justice system.
100%
have had no further involvement with crime.
17 “I am getting qualifications though Saints4Sport and it’s keeping me busy. It’s enabling me to live a good life.” Saints4Sport /Pathways2Employment participant
Opportunities
Skills & Employment Our computer refurbishment and recycling social enterprise, providing an IT disposal service to businesses and individuals. Jamie’s has had another record breaking year in 2014/15. Sales have increased by 13% and our financial surplus by 20% which highlights the fact that the project is now running more efficiently. We have continued to develop our Volunteer Programme where we actively encourage volunteers to make full use of their capabilities and give them the opportunity to develop skills along with growing their confidence. We are also give support with job applications and interview tips. We now register and record attendance, capabilities and performance of our volunteers whilst encouraging them to extend their comfort zones. This group is mainly comprised of people supported by the Society of St James as well as other agencies working with vulnerable people (such as The Wheatsheaf Trust, City Limits and The NHS) We also accept volunteers from agencies as part of the Government’s return to work scheme for people who have been long term unemployed. Volunteers are seconded to us for a fixed period for work experience. We still support suitable candidates from the Probation Service who are given the opportunity of serving their community hours with us.
18 “Jamie’s can, at times, be a very busy and faced-paced environment but, despite this, we can all still have a good laugh which makes working here incredibly enjoyable.” Katie, Technician.
Katie; our newest technician..
Jamie’s Computers
Leaving Prison and Getting Back on Track
Jon
Jon had been in and out of drug treatment for a number of years before the crime associated with his drug habit resulted in him going to prison. After his second prison sentence, Jon was ready to make some changes to his life - with the right support though our IOM house. “I have been in drug treatment for years but nothing had really worked. I’d had short-lived successes; it worked for a month here or two weeks there but nothing long-term. In prison, I started to make steps to reduce my ‘script myself, straight away, but still knowing that on my release I’d be back up and running and I knew I had nowhere to go...
That’s always been a massive problem; housing. You go to prison and you might have all the good will to stop using and committing crime and then they release you from the gates with £40 something and no address and no benefits for weeks. I don’t know what they expect you to do! About a month before I was due for prison release my Drug Rehabilitation Requirement (DRR) worker, came to see me with the Police to talk to me about the IOM scheme and living in the house in Southampton. Reluctantly, I said “yes” and agreed they’d come pick me up
at the gate on my release on May 8th 2014 and bring me to Southampton to meet Jim, which is exactly what happened. I didn’t know before then that some of the staff members were ex-offenders themselves, ex-addicts, and I took a liking to the staff straight away. When they started talking about drug tests, I worried. I’d just got out of prison, all wanted to do was go off and drink and use and, at first, I was trying to get around it all. I’m 36 now and living at the IOM House is the only thing I’ve ever seen through. I can tell you what I’ve done differently; I’m older this time round and I’ve listened more. I’ve watched and observed people more advanced in years and asked advice on what they’ve done. When I first came here I was always asking staff questions like “how did you do it?” I wanted to stop I just didn’t know how.
Whilst living at the IOM House I gave over 20 negative drug test results, on other treatment programmes I couldn’t give one for love nor money. I sometimes think “shall I go and use?” when it’s been a bad day, or “can I get away with it? Do I have the money?” but because I’ve learnt new skills here I’ve not acted on it. I’m looking forward to getting a job, maybe with SSJ or Saints4Sport. I’ve already approached Saints4Sport as I’m involved with Wheatsheaf Trust and trying to get a work placement. I don’t want any old work placement, something that just pays the bills, I want to do something I’m passionate about,
like the sports stuff that’s helped me or working in the houses with offenders, working with people like me. I’ve been completely drug-free for months now; even though I’m not living in a great location with my fiancée and our baby. If it wasn’t for her and the baby I wouldn’t have moved on from the IOM house yet, but just over four weeks ago we had a little boy. He’s my first child, and we’re in private rented accommodation at the moment. This is an amazing programme. This is the first time it’s worked for me. I’ve never, ever been anywhere and moved on to somewhere in a planned way. For 15 years I’ve been going to different organisations, in and out of prison and drug treatment, and nothing’s worked until I came here. This whole project is something completely different from what I’ve come up against before. I’ve never been anywhere where the staff are like they are here, all the staff I’ve met in this 12 month period living here are great. They’re dedicated, they go the extra mile, they’re not just doing it to pay the bills, they’re passionate.
Two years ago I was using and on my way to prison; now things are very different. I’ve got a place to live, I’m not using drugs and I have a family. It’s been a good year.” 19
“I can honestly say moving in here was the best decision I’ve ever made in my life.”
Leaving prison & ...
... Getting Back on Track Hampshire Integrated Offender Management (IOM) For people with a background in the criminal justice system to recover from addiction and reduce their reoffending. IOM Houses For people who need housing on release from prison. Last year we supported
52
people in total within the three IOM houses in Southampton, Gosport, and Portsmouth.
Through the Gate
We secured funding last year to commence the ‘Through the Gate’ Service. We are running SMART groups (Self Management and Recovery Training) within HMP Winchester to prepare people for their release, and then supporting them through their transition from custody into the community. We have been facilitating a weekly SMART (Self Management And Recovery Training) group in the main (category B) part of the prison with an average attendance of seven people coming to the group each week. Additionally, we have facilitated weekly SMART groups in the category C part of the prison from March 2015 with an average attendance of six people attending the group each week.
Since March 2015 we’ve arranged for four people to be met at the gates by a Recovery Broker and / or colleague upon their release from HMP Winchester and supported on their journey back to Portsmouth. We’ve met three people at the IOM Moving Forward Project group after their release from prison and continuing to support them. We’ve seen a number of people come to the SMART groups in the prison, start to reduce their scripts and / or abstain from their drug of choice, detox and maintain their recovery upon their release back into the community.
“I really enjoyed that group in the prison and I’m going to look for SMART meetings when I get back to my hometown.” Jigsaw For people with a background in the criminal justice system who need housing-related support. Over the year Jigsaw have worked with 50 people throughout Hampshire at any given time. We’ve housed a total of 55 people, 33 of whom moved into Private Rented Accommodation.
80%
have maintained their tenancy for 6 months or more.
20 “Without the Society of St James I would not be where I am today.” James, who was supported by Jigsaw
We’ve further developed partnership working with Police, Probation and housing providers
“Thanks to the Society of St James I have been able to escape prison life and address my homeless situation. Before I made contact with the Society of St James my life was alcohol and drug abuse which made me steal to fund my habit. ... they found me private accommodation so then I could live an independent and crime free life.” Further funding has been secured, through the success of Jigsaw, for a full time Single Homelessness Outreach Worker for Eastleigh Borough which commenced April 1st 2015.
Safe, Secure, Stable
Marc
Marc moved into our new ‘dry house’ after a difficult start to his recovery journey. He tells us about his progress so far, and what he’s looking forward to, below. “I originally came to Southampton just over two years ago when I moved from rehab to a dry house, but all I wanted to do every day was drink. It wasn’t long before I started drinking again, so I said I would move out of the dry house as I knew I wouldn’t stop. I moved into a small, private-rented, bedsit and within the space of six months I put myself into hospital for three months. I found out I wasn’t going to be in hospital for as long as I thought, and started to worry about leaving and going back to the exact same environment that I was in. It wasn’t a very good house, it was full of drink and drugs. I haven’t always been an alcoholic and I had the same job for 15 years. I’ve drunk alcoholically for a long time, but only at the weekends. My drinking was weekend binging for many years and I managed to control it, then I crossed over the line I suppose; drinking every day, then all day every day. It happens so quickly unfortunately. For the last ten years, before rehab, I was drinking every day. When I started drinking again, in this recent six months period, I was drinking all day every day.
Knocking myself out to sleep and wake-up to drink, wakeup, drink, wake-up, drink. That was my life.
whatever happens I’d like to live on my own. Living at Charlton Road I’ve managed to save money somehow whereas, even if I wasn’t drinking in my old place, I wouldn’t have ever saved any money. I look after my own money and I’ve saved up a deposit. I would also like to work again.
I mentioned I was worried about leaving hospital. SSJ agreed that I could move into the Dry House at Charlton Road. I left the hospital and went to visit my parents for a couple of weeks, then I moved in to Charlton. I got the keys on 31st January, and mid-February I moved in. It was a big bonus for me that this was an alcohol-free house. There’s no one here drinking- that’s a big difference to me. Before I wanted to drink, but if I wasn’t drinking and I had to go back home I would dread it every time. It wasn’t the best of places. I get a lot of support from staff and I also go to AA though, so I get a lot of support that way. Sammy, who runs the house, is brilliant. I could never praise her enough for what she’s done for me, and everyone else. I mean it’s just given me a safe place where I’m not surrounded by drink and drugs- that was very important to me. I’m still at early stages of recovery, but when I left hospital I didn’t want to walk straight back into that old environment. This is a good place to live.
Living at Charlton Road has given me an opportunity to see that, for the first time in ten years, I might have a half-decent life. Well, I couldn’t have that drinking. Since I’ve been with SSJ, over the last three months, I’ve probably achieved more than I have in the last ten years. Just the little things like; I haven’t had a bank account for the last 10-12 years, and I got one last month so even little things like that are quite a big step for me. I’ve got to do things like getting photo ID. I’ve only got a birth certificate and lot of people won’t take that as ID. I’ve lost everything I had, my driver’s licence, passport; I’ve got nothing. All those sort of things I hope to do before I move on from here.
I think, without exaggerating, SSJ has actually saved my life because I actually nearly drunk myself to death. I’ve been given this opportunity and Sammy is absolutely brilliant... I’ve not met a lot of the staff but everyone has been passionate and everything’s been brilliant here.”
I’m looking forward to living on my own. I’m trying to move back to the county I’m from, but it hasn’t been very easy. I’ve got a son but it takes me quite a lot of money to visit so I only get to see him about once a month. But
21 “... for the first time in ten years I might have a half-decent life. Well, I couldn’t have that drinking.”
Safe, Secure, and Stable Alcohol Accommodation service For people who need support due to long-term heavy drinking. Last year 106 people used our service. 22 people moved on in a positive and planned way.
“James* had been street homeless for five years when he first moved into one of the Alcohol Accommodation Service houses. In the four years he lived with us it took us two years to get him to sleep on the bed. James was an “old-skool” entrenched drinker (by his own admission) and had never had his own front door. James moved out in April 2015 and now has his own 1 bed flat, a good support package / network and is doing really well.” *name changed Erica Julier, Service Manager We’ve developed our service to include an alcohol-free house. The change to the service has meant that we are now able to offer a full housing option for someone throughout recovery. The alcohol-free home is a home with a touch of support to allow residents to concentrate on their recovery knowing staff are just a phone call away.
Mental Health For people with long-term mental health problems who need accommodation and support to move on to greater independence.
structure change brought about by changes in our funding. This has resulted in us combining the two previous contracts and reduced the management support from two people to one. Due to the commitment of the team and excellent support from the rest of the organisation, these changes have been moving forward smoothly. In this period we saw the closure of one of our long standing properties. Naturally this could have been a very traumatic time for people moving out, especially as most of them had lived there for many years. We are very pleased to report all residents were moved on not only successfully, but also to properties in line with their preferences and needs.
HP+ Handyperson Service For people who need basic maintenance and adaptations carried out so that they can stay safely in their homes. The Handyperson+ service, as well as enabling vulnerable people to remain in their homes and maintain safety and independence, also works closely with the Hospital Discharge Liaison Team to enable timely and safe returns from hospital.
“I always think that one day I could be in that position and hope that, if I need help, like HP+ provides, there’s a service there that can help me.” Shane Squibb, HP+
524
assessments,
536
During 2014/15 the mental health team continued to support 95 people in 15 different properties. These people all have severe and enduring mental health diagnoses, many also suffering with chronic substance misuse issues.
service requests,
The biggest challenge to the team during the year was an enforced
jobs undertaken.
22
684
With only 536 service requests, how did we undertake 684 jobs? While Shane is visiting, he will flag additional tasks that require undertaking to ensure a person’s safety and wellbeing. His dedication and commitment is representative of all support staff here at SSJ.
St James Care For people whose needs are greater than a regular care home can meet.
lifestyles spread and Home Support were soon supporting people living in the community, being funded by agencies such as the Street Homeless Prevention Team (SHPT).
We received the results of our CQC inspection in January and were found to be delivering a “Good” service across all five areas of inspection. These areas ask if the service is safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led.
Through working with these people in the community, the Home Support service quickly developed pragmatic and innovative approaches to problem solving and risk management. These have included “managed money” and “managed drinking” which brought a level of stability into the lives of some otherwise very chaotic individuals.
“The staff here are very caring and very busy. They always find time to have a chat though.” Home Support For people to continue living in their own homes for as long as possible. During the course of the year, the Home Support Team were supporting around 45 people at any given time. At the close of the financial year, we sadly said goodbye to our Specialist Home Support Service. We were unsuccessful in our tender following the reorganisation of all domiciliary care service in Southampton into a new Framework Agreement. SSJ have had a registered domiciliary care service for at least 15 years and it was initially established to access social care funding to provide additional care to people living in our newly established “wet houses” (now part of our Southampton Alcohol Accommodation Service ). The reputation of the service to meet the needs of people with chaotic
Approaches such as these, as well as negotiating with local authorities, landlords, neighbours, utility companies and many others, enabled many people to achieve a level of independence and security that would have previously been unattainable. We would like to thank all the managers and staff of Home Support who have, over the last 15 years, contributed to improving the lives of some of the most chaotic and vulnerable members of our community. Tony Keall, Operations Director
Housing Management For people who need accommodation and some low-level support with their tenancy. 2014 was, as ever, a very busy year for the Housing Management Team.
A new accommodation
12
block of
flats,
a new shared house for
6
people,
145
rooms and flats prepared
for letting.
We’ve seen plenty of positive move-ons and worked closely with our own support staff and external agencies, not forgetting the associated property upgrades, repairs, maintenance and redecorations, safeguarding, anti-social behaviour management, benefit and welfare signposting, and building security out of hours - ably managed by our Operational Security Team ... phew!
23 “The staff know how to support me and have helped me a lot.” Person living at St James Care.
Money Matters
We Couldn’t Do it Without You Last year we raised over £95,000 through the overwhelmingly generous support of people like you! This income is becoming increasingly important to the Society of St James as Andy, our Director of Finance, will explain on the next page. We want to thank you all; community groups, restaurant chains who run StreetSmart in their venues, companies who partner with End Youth Homelessness, companies who’ve made us their Charity of the Year, those of you who make regular donations, people who respond to our newsletters and appeals, and the increasing numbers of you who participate in sponsored events raising money to support our work - we really couldn’t do it without you! Of course, you contribute much more than money. Over the course of the year we have had many donations of food and toiletries, we had an intern in our team who ran an event where people could drop of a bag of essential supplies for someone moving into or on from one of our properties, and many people offer us in-kind support.
We can’t fit all of our news in this little spot so we just wanted to let you know a bit more about End Youth Homelessness (EYH) and how that partnership has enabled CLC Group Ltd to raise funds nationally and to support our work locally. EYH is national network of regional charities supporting young people who are homeless or vulnerable to homelessness. Many of the people we work with are under 25 and, as such, we were approached to join the partnership in its infancy back in 2013. CLC Group Ltd, a property maintenance company, were the first company to join the EYH partnership who had offices in our area. They committed to raising £50,000 nationally to support EYH charities and are going to match this figure with a company donation when they hit their target (July 2015). We have worked closely with the Southampton Head Office team as they’ve undertaken a halloween dress down day, bake sales, made up Christmas hampers for our hostels, taken on challenges, and run events to reach their target. Our local CLC office has now exceeded their £6000 target congratulations and thank you to everyone who was involved.
“Organising this event for the Society of St James has given me the freedom to get involved with the charity in a way that I feel most confident, while being provided with the access to tools, contacts and support to make the event happen.” Saffron, Events Intern - Solent University
Money Matters
Year End Accounts We reported a surplus for the year of £82,825 which represents only 1% of income for the year. This small surplus will be reinvested in supporting us in our objectives in the coming years.
The Future
Income and Expenditure
Additionally the Government’s other spending cuts are continuing and seem to provide both opportunities for us in terms of new services being put out to tender, but also threats in terms of reduced funding for existing services.
This surplus represents a good result for us but one that was boosted by an unexpected £75,000 donation from a charitable trust that has previously supported us. We intend to utilise the unexpected donation to purchase a further property if possible and therefore create a more lasting legacy for such a generous donation. Investments like this also help to ensure that we remain on a sound financial base. Once again we grew our income despite facing some cut backs in some of our contracts. This increase was largely due to the full year impact of projects that started midway through the previous year. The majority (33%) of the Society of St James’ turnover is made up of rental income paid to us by tenants, often supported by Housing Benefit. The other very large sources of income are the Supporting People contracts and Drugs Support Service grants. These make up 24% and 29% of turnover respectively. However, this turnover comes with significant costs such as employing staff, paying for the properties in which we provide our services, and providing an excellent maintenance service.
We are therefore extremely grateful for the efforts made by individuals, groups, companies and trusts that provide us with significant additional funding as well as ‘in kind’ support.
The Government is seemingly committed to reduce the welfare bill by targeting housing benefit amongst other areas. What impact this will have on us remains to be seen but reductions to the our rental income would cause significant difficulties for us moving forward.
The impact on us as an organisation is very difficult to predict but we remain committed to providing quality services to the people we support and will continue to liaise closely with our funders in order to reduce costs and save money wherever we can. Furthermore, we will continue to seek opportunities to tender for new services that fit within our objectives in order to reduce the risk associated with losing other contracts, and to provide more essential services to those who need us most. However there will be an undoubted impact on services to help homeless individuals in general as the cuts in funding reduce the overall number of services.
This will mean charities will come to rely even more heavily on donated funds in order to continue to provide sufficient support for a potentially growing number of homeless and or vulnerable people. Andrew Powell, Director of Finance
Again a tight control was kept on administration costs, which accounted for just 6.3% of the our expenditure.
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Money Matters
Year End Accounts Summary income and expenditure for the year ending 31st March 2014 Income Net Rents Receivable Supporting People Grant Drugs Related Support Services Other Grants and Donations Jamie’s Computers Total Incoming Resources
2014/15 (£’000) 2,712 1,965 2,050 1,004 338 8,069
2013/14 (£’000) 2,513 1,691 1,926 892 302 7,594
Expenditure 2014/15 (£’000) Resident Support,Sustenance and Outreach 7,472 Administration Costs 502 Interest received/(paid) 12 Transfer (from)/to Reserves Total Resources Expended 7,986 Resources Generated to Improve and Develop Services 83
2013/14 (£’000) 7,070 465 6 (37) 7,504
How the Society is Funded (£000’s)
Jamie's Computers Other Grants and Donations Supporting People Grant Rents Outreach Support Service Grants
90
Summary Balance Sheet as at 31st March 2014 Fixed Assets, Investments & Goodwill Less Grants
2014/15 (£’000) 4,815 (1,750) 3,065
2013/14 (£’000) 4,507 (2,271) 2,236
Current Assets Debtors and Cash Less Creditors Due Within One Year Net Current Assets
1,071 (889) 182
1,201 (870) 331
Total Assets Creditors due After More Than One Year
3,247 1,312
2,567 697
Accumulated Capital and Reserve Funds
1,935
1,870
3,247
2,567
How the Money is Spent (£000’s) Resident Support, Sustenance, and Outreach Administration Costs and Interest Transfer from Reserves
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125 Albert Road South Southampton, SO14 3FR t: 023 8063 4596 f: 023 8033 9026 www.ssj.org.uk Registered Charity Number: 1043664 Housing Association Number: LH4337 A Company Limited by Guarantee and Registration in England No: 3009700