A unique approach to helping homeless people get back on their feet was launched by Camden Council this week.
The new 'pathways' scheme gives homeless people a clear four-step path, from rough sleeping on the streets to getting a job and living in their own home.
Under the scheme, any single homeless person must agree to tackle the problems that caused their homelessness - such as drug and alcohol abuse - to gain a hostel place.
Starting with an assessment of their need, progress relies on each person taking responsibility for their problems, and accepting support and training to move to an independent life.
The scheme is the latest part of the council's housing strategy, which aims to move away from a dependence culture to encouraging choice, independence and personal responsibility.
The council is spending £19.4 million this year on the 70 hostels and homeless projects in the borough which have signed up to the new approach, to ensure a consistent level of care.
Cllr Chris Naylor, Executive Member for Camden Council said: "I don't want people to be stuck in hostels for years. I'm proud Camden has created the new Pathways programme - to ensure homeless and vulnerable people are not just getting support, but also get the help and ambition they need to move on to an independent life."
Michael Scorer, Deputy Director of Housing, Camden Council who helped to
design the scheme added:
"We want all people in Camden to take the pathway out of homelessness and into making choices, taking responsibility and becoming independent. This way we'll need fewer beds in the future and have the potential to change many lives. We know it can be tough, but homeless people need the self-belief to make their own way in life. The carrot and stick approach of the pathways programme should give them just that, while making sure their experience of support is the same across
Camden. Many on the streets have told us they needed to be forced to change their ways -pathways will do this, but also give them the confidence to take their lives forward. "
Under the programme, as the individual works towards their goal, they have the incentive of better accommodation to keep them going. On the flip side, they risk moving down a step in the programme - to less good accommodation, training and support - if they don't take steps to change.
The pathways model has been developed initially for single people and will be rolled out to families and those with mental health problems in the future.
Ends
Notes to Editors:
For further information contact Susannah Agathou, Camden Council press
office on 020 7974 5716, Susannah.agathou@camden.gov.uk
"Pathways is being funded by the Department of Communities and Local Government. The government is also funding a programme to renovate three key hostels in Camden's Pathways scheme. These are Arlington House in Camden Town, Endell Street in Covent Garden and Cambria House in King's Cross.
There are four stages to Pathways, with different accommodation set aside for each:
" Assessment:
Beds providing short-term accommodation while client's support needs are
assessed and the correct longer-term services are identified
"Progress:
Beds providing clients with a period of stability, to allow a
consideration of the future housing options available.
"Specialist Supported:
Beds meeting the specific support needs of clients over a longer period.
"Move Through:
Beds providing clients with the knowledge and skills to live independently.
Case studies: (names have been changed)
Peter was referred to Cambria House hostel, a move-through scheme, after successfully completing a resettlement programme at another hostel. Peter was not only helped to move into his own privately rented flat, but also re-united with his family.
Peter now also lives independently and does volunteer work for a local homeless charity. Peter says: "For far too long I wasted my life, but now thanks to Pathways and Cambria House I'm able to do something good with it."
Jeffery became homeless due to problems at home. He decided to get his life back together and was referred to Parker House hostel where he completed his assessment. He then moved on to Cambria House for further services.
Jeffery now lives in his own flat and says: "The hostels pathway is good because it works. The work they do here at the hostel - the people are amazing."
Susannah Agathou
Press Manager
Communications Team
Camden Strategy Unit
London Borough of Camden
Tel: 020 7974 5716
Mobile: 07768 058 680
Fax: 020 7974 5718
Email: susannah.agathou@camden.gov.uk
Website: www.camden.gov.uk
Room 303, Town Hall
Judd Street, WC1H 9JE
