HARP Bluebird - Carers services

The Bluebird Project has enabled HARP to provide services that meets the needs of diverse client groups with both single and mixed gender hostels, in a safe and supportive environment.

Individuals experiencing homelessness often have complex needs such as diagnosed or undiagnosed mental health issues, physical health issues, drug and alcohol issues, social network issues and can also be involved with social services or the criminal justice system. There are also many clients who access services who have less needs and are experiencing homelessness due to circumstantial and/or significant life events.

The teams are trained in many relevant aspects to supporting residents with diverse needs along with housing and health and safety training to ensure quality delivery of service and property management. HARP work with and signpost to Local and National support agencies to ensure the needs of each individual can be met. HARP also offer in-house therapeutic services along with meaningful activities programs which range from gardening groups, cognitive behavioural therapy groups, recovery focussed groups and a variety of social activities.

All clients, when accessing the Bluebird Project will be allocated a key-worker who together, will create a client led support plan. Support planning is an integral part of the transitional process from homelessness to supported housing to independent living which ensures residents are fully informed of their choices and empowered to take the lead in planning their goals.

Once residents have secured independent accommodation, we offer resettlement sessions at 1,3 and 6 month intervals to support them while in their new accommodation, as the first six months can be stressful and support through this adjustment period has proved fundamental to ensuring residents maintain their new home and no longer require support from services.

Millie West / Prakash Shah - Team Manager / Coordinator

FloatingSupportEast@harpsouthend.org.uk

www.harpsouthend.org.uk/bluebird

Housing Office
117 York Road
Southend-on-Sea
Essex
SS1 2DL

Yes

License Agreement Housing Benefit paid direct to HARP £18 per week service charge.

Yes

• mixed gender and female hostels
• aged 18+
• homeless
• initial and risk assessment completed at point of referral
• recourse to public funds established
• priority given to those with a local connection
• medium to high support needs
• 35 bed spaces (Southend) - 27 bed spaces (Westcliff)
• bed spaces allocated to Southend-on-Sea City Council's Accommodations Panel with Band-A housing pathway