6 Simon Communities of Ireland PRACTICE EXAMPLE: Internal separation of housing and support The South East Simon Housing Officer focuses exclusively on housing related issues, including a housing management function such as rent. This post ensures an internal separation within South East Simon between housing and support in terms of staff roles. There was recognition by other respondents of A further issue in relation to the visibility of service the need to operationalise this principle by users in smaller communities was that some people separating out a housing management function may be well known to service providers as well, from supports in terms of staff roles in situations property owner - or managed property - as well side of the rural aspect. So you are trying to get“rehtoehts’tahT.yrotsihahtiwemocelpoePehtsevlesmehterewseitinummoCnomiSerehw as providing the supports. the local authority to look past your history. You’re trying to get accommodation where you Another topic related to developing the range of might be known (Staff) options and choices available to service users with regard to harm reduction. In part this issue Much larger - and more intractable – issues focused upon the range of accommodation related to discussions about rebalancing the range options available to service users and the differing and type of housing options on offer. In part, these expectations within diverse projects and discussions related to the mix of types of programmes with regards to alcohol and/or drug accommodation on offer, and the extent to which use. In this regard, one respondent noted that a individual Simon Communities might ideally rebalancing was necessary between harm refocus away from emergency provision towards reduction approaches and the continued use of independent living options (these issues are requirements for abstinence in some projects. explored in more detail below). Other respondents highlighted gaps in service Discussions also included the size of some delivery such as access to wellness programmes, individual developments, and the extent to which a lack of opportunities for service users to take larger projects may have a more institutional feel advantage of harm reduction approaches in some than smaller projects, where it was possible to areas, and also the consequences for harm create a more ‘homelike’ atmosphere. A couple of reduction approaches of occasional limited respondents also noted the need for a discussion partnership working between mental health and about expectations in relation to the movement of drug and alcohol services. some service users through transitional accommodation rather than into permanent One respondent highlighted the value of being able accommodation with secure tenancies. A number to link with dedicated harm reduction agencies. In of respondents also highlighted other practical particular, the need to address access to discreet difficulties in reconfiguring existing buildings in and confidential support options in rural areas was order to provide self-contained accommodation also highlighted in relation to harm reduction compared with options where people share approaches. A feature of many rural areas is the facilities – not least financial constraints that visibility of service users in small settlements where individual Simon Communities may be operating they may be known personally by many members with. A further obstacle was that some buildings of the local community. The positive role played by are leased from other agencies, and this issue a mobile needle exchange service was noted in means it is problematic to give service users one rural area. tenancies rather than licences.
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