Dramatic culture change across homeless charities in England

17 March 2010

Homeless Link research reveals a marked increase in availability of specialist services for clients with a diverse range of needs, but warns of trouble ahead if funding cuts for homeless charities continue.

Today Homeless Link has released its third annual Survey of Needs and Provision (SNAP) which charts changes occurring in the homelessness sector in England. The survey, funded by CLG, provides an updated picture of services for single homeless people and couples and of the people that rely on them.

The report has identified dramatic improvements in the availability of specialist support services for homeless people since 2008. This is largely due to the development of external partnerships; helping vulnerable people move on to independent lives:

· A 32 per cent increase in the availability of help for people to improve their education, develop skills and find employment (from 66 per cent to 98 per cent)

· A 33 per cent increase in the availability of activities, such as gardening, sport and art (from 61 per cent to 94 per cent)

· A 26 per cent increase in the provision of services to help people improve their physical health (from 71 per cent to 97 per cent)

Jenny Edwards, Chief Executive of Homeless Link, the national organisation for agencies working to end homelessness, said, "The report shows a dramatic improvement in the availability of many types of specialist services for homeless people. Many organisations are responding magnificently to the changing needs and expectations of homeless people. These developments illustrate the flexibility of homelessness charities in responding to the very wide range of needs of the people they see. People using services come from a wide variety of backgrounds, and include refugees and migrants, people with mental health issues, victims of domestic violence and prison leavers. Homelessness charities are taking a central role in ensuring that the most vulnerable people in society are supported through to positive futures. They are keen to share learning with other organisations and sectors.

"Looking ahead, however, almost half of the organisations surveyed were fearful that funding pressures and predicted decommissioning of services threatened their ability to continue with this work. It is essential that investment programmes, such as the Places of Change programme, homelessness grant and Supporting People funds, are maintained in order to sustain and build on the substantial progress that has been made for some of our society's most vulnerable people.

Richard Cunningham, Manager of the HCA's Places of Change Programme, commented, "Homeless Link's SNAP report perfectly demonstrates that the Places of Change approach is working, and really making a difference to society's most marginalised people; in other words, it goes way beyond just providing a place to live. It's also about quality buildings that provide a welcome, warmth and security; well trained and supportive staff; and innovative, meaningful and ‘fun' activity that make service users feel better about themselves and gain the confidence to show they've got something to offer. In essence, this is what will allow them to move on with their life and future. All the projects we fund through the programme now offer this opportunity, and this must continue."

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