Partnership and cross-organisational working is so important when it comes to tackling all aspects of homelessness.
When Great Places met Charlie, through our Social Impact Bond outreach work his primary need was a home. He had a long history of failed tenancies, homelessness and going in and out of custody. His most recent accommodation was in supported housing where he was asked to leave due to anti-social behaviour and he was homeless from that point.
Charlie was well known to homelessness and drug treatment services but had never engaged in a treatment programme. He was having trouble with his mental health, with incidents of verbal aggression and outbursts alongside intermittent willingness and acceptance of help and support. After experiencing drug abuse and domestic violence in his relationship, Charlie said he felt mentally and physically drained. He was diagnosed with personality disorder and depression, which got worse when he used drugs.
Charlie was allocated a temporary property with a low-level tenancy support, which he felt would work best for him.
The Great Places team worked with the Complex Lifestyles Team (Drug and Alcohol) who agreed to see Charlie as an emergency.
The Great Places team were able to find a temporary home for Charlie and working with other partners provide the additional support he needed to remain in his home and make positive steps towards tackling the issues he faced.
The partnership between Great Places staff and the Drug and Alcohol service in particular has been key to ensuring this client is able to access treatment. In addition, it has made sure that Charlie’s needs are understood by people who do not know him and how they present, what his triggers are and how to have a successful interaction with him in a bid to manage the risk of his behaviour rather than excluding him from a service.
The situation for Charlie remains quite precarious and unstable. There is a risk that his behaviour will lead to him being arrested if he and his partner continue to use drugs chaotically, not engage with drug treatment and remain in their volatile relationship.
Fortunately, Charlie continues to engage with the GM Homes Programme and seems willing to access support. He remains in contact with his support worker on a daily basis and talks about the future and his aspirations for life and his new home.
