Hawthorn Housing Co-operative ‘Helping to reduce social isolation’

Support Officer Service A bit of background Initiated by Cadder HA Filling a gap Part-time tenancy support Partnership of 5 RSLs PCF funded Hawthorn the lead Started May 2015.

Project details Aim Funding Statistics & stories from year 1 To prevent homelessness & support households at risk of losing their home Funding £30k PCF & £1080 from each RSL a year Statistics & stories from year 1 39 referrals , effective working with 19 No outcomes actually achieved – employability! But, good at finding a ‘way in’ for disengaged.

Some stories from year 1 – depth of the support Female Domestic abuse, severe debt, mental health Women’s Aid, HB, meeting twice a week Older Male Addiction issues, funeral plan Bus pass, support on health issue, weekly meeting Single Parent NOP, child in care, no benefits JSA, Child Tax Credits, Full HB, £1420 backdate, parenting classes

Analysis of Year one Slow start Failure to meet outcomes Targets too ambitious Complexity of issues surrounding clients Not mentally or physically ready to move on Applying for continuation Benefits delivered at very low cost Shift of focus – social isolation, addictions, health Removal of statutory services

The Second Year Fully funded Greater impact 36 referrals [many word of mouth], 17 engaging SWF – successful appeals Glasgow Care Foundation [low income earners, greater dignity] Eviction cancelled DWP work capability, child benefit etc Hoarding, Referral to SW [AP1], engaging with GP re mental health issues, domestic abuse, sexual assault Mental health contributing. Running start, building trust Isolation, lack of support underlying many cases Struggling people don’t have access to expert support they need even where not isolated Can be isolated in a strong community and big family

Key points Partnership Quality referrals Flexibility Funding To create scale of work needed Quality referrals Initially housing officers, also within families Referring on/supporting network Triggers [new tenants, capped gas, NOP] Flexibility Remit and skills of Support Officer Meet the need! Regular Monitoring and prompting Stories as important as the statistics Isolation is complex, isolated people can be challenging