Which Way Home? 31 Respondents discussed the adoption of housing- Respondents also emphasised a range of broader led approaches within Simon Communities, and issues: highlighted considerable convergence between the ethos of Simon Communities and the key l An adequate supply of affordable accommodation remains the critical challenge principles that underpin housing-led approaches. in adopting a housing-led approach. Reports Nevertheless, many respondents identified areas from the Simon Communities about the lack where continued change and progression was of an adequate supply of accommodation are necessary, both in relation to working cultures not a new message. Nevertheless, the and operational issues. Some of the issues implications of the limited supply of housing in discussed by individual Simon Communities taking forwards a Housing-led approach into included: the future are highly significant. l Maintaining and progressing cultural change l Respondents to the research also within Simon Communities in terms of emphasised the costs of putting in place the attitudes and understanding of the housing- levels of support necessary to sustain people led approach amongst staff and service with a diverse range of needs in their homes. users. The latter includes the potential to A key message from respondents was that engage more fully with service users to the intensity of support required in a housing- communicate the housing-led approach so led service was not a cheap option. Staff that it would become the expectation and members discussed the intense support understanding of service users as the norm; required to address: l Achieving a formal separation of housing from - The process of enabling someone to support; move into their own accommodation; l Access to a wider range of harm reduction - specific issues such as mental health options and wellness programmes; and/or substance misuse; - deeply personal experiences around Much larger - and more intractable – issues anxiety and confidence about moving into related to discussions about rebalancing the one’s own home, and range and type of housing options on offer. One aspect of these discussions was the extent to - isolation and loneliness. which individual Simon Communities can take l Participants in the research also highlighted practical steps to refocus away from emergency that greater attention on inter-agency working provision towards independent living options. was required in order to build the necessary Respondents highlighted two key barriers to be packages of support for individuals. overcome in Simon Communities: l Many respondents felt strongly that was a need for a shared and agreed understanding l The first issue was internal to Simon between service providers of the parameters Communities and related to practical and operating principles of a housing-led constraints in adapting existing buildings, service. Part of this need included a such as the financial resources available to suggestion for training for local authorities in make the necessary changes; the physical the implementation of housing-led layout of buildings, as well as ownership and approaches at local level, as well as an leasing arrangements; enhancement of cross departmental l The second issue concerned the wider structures at national level. challenge of how to phase the adoption of l There is a risk is that housing-led approaches housing-led approaches in terms of investing become diluted, and do not offer the depth or in models based on housing-led housing range of services that are necessary for options (scattered or communal), compared people who are homeless to be able to meet with emergency provision, given the context their housing and support needs. of the current demand from people who are homeless, and the lack of affordable accommodation for people to move into.
Which Way Home?
To see the actual publication please follow the link above