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

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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