120 likes | 126 Views
Jules Oldham National Policy & Practice Coordinator. An understanding of homelessness. Stereotype. Reality. Sometimes you go through life and the wrong thing happens. Jennifer Manske Fenske. In Scotland how do we define 'Homelessness'?. If:
E N D
Jules Oldham National Policy & Practice Coordinator An understanding of homelessness
Sometimes you go through life and the wrong thing happens. Jennifer Manske Fenske
In Scotland how do we define 'Homelessness'? • If: • s/he has no accommodation in the UK or elsewhere • s/he has no accommodation which is available for the entire household to live in together • or • A person is homeless if s/he has accommodation but: • cannot gain access to it • living there will lead to violence, or threat of • it is a mobile home, or similar and there is no place to pitch or moor it • it is overcrowded and it may endanger the health of the occupants • it would not be reasonable for her/him to continue to live there • it is not permanent • S/he is threatened with homelessness if it is likely that s/he will become homeless within 2 months.
Hardest to Reach • Revolving door scenario • Extremely vulnerable • Mental Health issues • Addiction(s) • Low self esteem • Poor social skills • Chaotic lifestyle • Support – or not • 'The system' • Literacy • Trust
Where? Number of applications by local authority 2013 – 14 Everywhere Scotland 36,457
Rights • Scottish system • 2012 commitment Scottish System guarantees that those who lose their home from no fault of their own will be provided with settled accommodation. Housing options encompasses looking at an individual's options in the widest sense, featuring early intervention and exploring all options available to a household.
Where might you end up living? Options • Local Authority • Friend or family • Hostel, or similar (poss B&B) • Rent new place (buy new place) • Emergency accommodation • Rough sleeping
Challenges Feeling a bit alien Possible poor mental health Embarrassment Apprehension A temporary address Low confidence Issues with ID A huge step Possibly no phone or internet (access) A lack of money for travel Health not the highest priority A lot of other pressures
Sometimes you go through life and the wrong thing happens. Any questions? Jennifer Manske Fenske jules@homelessactionscotland.org.uk Jules Oldham National Policy & Practice Coordinator