Our Engagement and Outreach Service was launched in response to the steep rise in mental health issues and substance misuse among people sleeping rough. By drawing on our extensive expertise and collaborating with local partners, the team works at the frontline and behind the scenes to address this worrying problem.
Every weekday morning, team members go out and connect with people sleeping rough, giving them the time and respect that is so crucial to building trust. Working with partners including local businesses, the police and Network Rail, they identify and support people facing multiple challenges.
The rest of the service’s work is in the Resource Centre, providing mental health advice to other teams and
supporting cases that need more intense, long-term input, as well as raising awareness more widely.
Alanah, Engagement and Outreach Manager says
“When people are experiencing severe and enduring mental health challenges, feeling ready to move into accommodation and doing so can be extremely difficult. We were very pleased to be able to help George into supported accommodation, as taking this step demonstrates enormous progress.
Like so many others, George’s story shows that taking the time to engage and build trust is key to supporting people from street to home.”
New hope for George
When the Engagement and Outreach Team first met George*, he’d been rough sleeping locally. His behaviour and social isolation alerted the team to his mental health problems and we found that he had a clinical diagnosis of psychosis. George was given a specialist case worker. They supported George at a pace that suited him and came up with a tailored plan to meet his needs, with a view to ending his street homelessness. George’s case worker connected him with the NHS Community Mental Health Team and a GP and gave him space to discuss what had led to his homelessness.
As well as daily access to food, showers, clothing and laundry facilities in our Resource Centre, George was encouraged to attend group activities, which helped him to feel less isolated. Earlier this year, George moved to self-contained accommodation with 24-hour
support. He is now getting ongoing mental health help while we work to find him a permanent route out of homelessness.
Your kind gift to The Passage could bring hope and help to others like George, who are facing a homelessness crisis. If you can, please donate today.
*Name has been changed to protect client’s identity.