Specialist scheme stops the cycle of homelessness
How Housing First support helped Tony recover
Sometimes, people’s circumstances are so complex and challenging that standard homelessness support doesn’t work. A Housing First approach is proved to be the most effective way of helping them to rebuild their lives.
Tony grew up in an unstable family situation and was eventually taken into care. His chaotic circumstances led to Tony developing challenging mental health problems and using drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism. These issues intensified as time went on and he felt increasingly cut off from society.
Tony eventually became homeless at the age of 20 and slept on the streets for several years.
There were attempts by the local council to house Tony. They hadn’t been successful due to the highly complex health and emotional needs he’d developed because of his time on the streets.
When we first met Tony, he was a 21-year-old who could see no future for himself.
Tony became homeless at the age of 20 and slept on the streets for several years.
Specialist housing provided in partnership
We were able to get Tony into a specialist Housing First scheme we run with Golding Homes. It is designed to help people who have complex issues and struggle to trust and engage with traditional support services. Many clients have been on the streets for more than 10 years.
Under this scheme, Tony was moved straight into a flat of his own with no conditions placed on him to change – he could take as long as he needed to recover so long as he was engaging with his Porchlight support worker.
A focus on people's strengths
Our staff are trained in trauma-informed care and use strengths-based approaches. This means they focus on people’s abilities and resources, rather than issues they need to fix. They work with clients to identify their skills and potential, empowering them to take control of their lives. And they work with our partners in health and social care to put the right support – focused on the individual and their needs – in place.
Tony soon opened up to his support worker about a time in his life that he’d truly felt safe and supported. We helped him decorate his flat with items that reminded him of that time, with the aim of creating a safe haven from the trauma he’d experienced.
With stable housing and support tailored to his specific needs, Tony started to recover and make positive choices.
Consistent support to overcome trauma
Progress wasn’t always quick. At first, Tony found being housed overwhelming. Because of past trauma, he refused to sleep in a bed and for the first six months he slept on the floor. There were times that he reverted to past behaviours. But the Housing First approach recognises that recovery isn’t always linear and people need a stable home if they’re to successfully break the cycle of homelessness.
Over time, we saw a profound change in Tony as he made progress with his mental health and drug issues.
Now in his mid-twenties, Tony is in control of his life. He has a home that he’s proud of, is fit and healthy, is working in construction and has plans to start working with his brother. He knows that if he ever needs it, support is just a phone call away.
If you are experiencing problems with housing or your mental health, or you support someone who is, there is more information about our current services here.
