18 Simon Communities of Ireland Introduction very limited number of visits to service users in stand-alone accommodation, and nothing in Whilst housing supply remains an overriding between. It was argued that a different support concern for respondents, many participants in the model was required, that could meet the higher research also emphasised the crucial role of support needs of some people, especially for key adequate support options for service users in periods during the day between 5.00 pm and making housing-led approaches work effectively. 9.00 am the following morning. A staff member in Although a right to housing occupies a key place a different Simon Community also reflected on in discussions on housing-led approaches, one this issue, respondent reflected on ensuring that support this approach viable: “ vsioiltanignusria g itg essue..Staff eoplehcanfvisitroereteraprOyadihbnidotisIgnikamniecnenimorpyrassecenstiseviecerosla schemes during the day for programmes, “ haeteingritghtmoseccess tuseesrsetrvicels.ve’stheot triafiiniulg.eSc.vicet unetrsefearnsngation.t’SomesahtsloiievehsiuBrettncfdyntIeiebosehecivratehatvG that they are deserving - they have a refuse to go from schemes. The fear of fundamental right to get treatment, to be nobody to talk to. People come to life about treated with dignity and respect. To be listened ten at night and want a natter in the office. to. That’s a massive part of our work, just to People miss that (staff). get that into people’s heads, and to build their confidence to access services (staff). Moreover, there was a concern across the Communities that the intensity of support required Picking up on some of the issues identified in was inconsistent with the cutbacks taking place. Chapter One, this chapter offers the opportunity Many respondents in the Simon Communities to explore the provision of support options in discussed the pressures that other service greater detail. The chapter examines some of the providers were under in terms of practice challenges for Simon Communities in configuring developing in response to cuts in services. their support in a housing-led context, as well as Although it was often noted that the services joint working with other agencies. This includes a themselves were very good, getting access to consideration of the intensity of support required them was becoming increasingly difficult, with to meet the diverse needs of service users; the greater waiting times for appointments and longer timescales of support, as well as providing waiting lists. Frontline staff in a Simon Community support in rural areas. noted that workers in one statutory service were providing additional help for service users while they waited for access to a service through Maintaining adequate support goodwill. Staff who were going the extra mile to provide help shows the commitment of individuals Respondents to the research across the Simon involved, but seems no way to sustain a statutory Communities emphasised the costs of putting in service going forwards. place the levels of support necessary to sustain A Housing-led approach relies on the supports people with a diverse range of needs in their provided by a range of providers. Inter-agency homes. Frontline staff highlighted current case working is critical and there is a need for a shared loads per worker in relation to enabling the and agreed understanding of the operational intensity of support necessary for service users implications of rolling out housing-led approaches requiring high support. A transition towards a at local level by service providers in both statutory housing-led approach would require a and voluntary sectors. reconfiguring of staffing levels and case-loads. One respondent discussed the limitations of the range of support models in their area, with either a housing support model with staff on site, or a
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