Housing First Mk (2360 X 1000)

Housing First Milton Keynes

This service now falls under our Integrated Floating Support Service.

 

What is Housing First?

Housing First is an evidence-based approach that puts the provision of an independent home first, followed by personalised support, to enable individuals with a history of entrenched or repeat homelessness to begin recovery.

Research suggests having a place to call home leads to improvements in health and wellbeing and it’s from this stable platform other issues can be addressed. Furthermore, independent research shows that through intensive, person-centred support Housing First residents are 70-90% more likely to remain housed.

Unlike other supported housing models, individuals do not need to prove they are ready for independent housing or progress through a series of accommodation and treatment services. There are no conditions placed on them, other than a willingness to maintain a tenancy agreement. Housing First is designed to provide long-term, open-ended support for their ongoing needs.

 

The Service

Milton Keynes Council is testing a new way to support homeless people which is known as ‘Housing First’. This aims to offer accommodation and support to adults over 18 years who have been rough sleeping in Milton Keynes and have a local connection to that area. The support is there to provide a more settled lifestyle to those sleeping rough and to improve their health and wellbeing. The council will assess an individual’s circumstances and, if appropriate, will offer permanent accommodation. They’ll also refer people for support if needed.

 

What will we provide?

Connection Support will provide one-to-one support to people and each person will have a dedicated Support Worker. We will help people to take up the opportunity of having their own accommodation and make changes in their lifestyle that improve the quality of their lives. For example, we will provide support to develop independent living skills that enable people to maintain their accommodation, and we support people to develop their confidence to allow them to reach their own solutions. Working with Adult Social Care and other agencies, we will support people with complex conditions such as mental ill-health, physical illness, learning disability, substance misuse, or relationship issues to find specialist support for their particular needs.

 

How do we work with you?

You are introduced to Connection Support team through a referral from Milton Keynes Council Homeless Prevention Team. You will have a Personalised Housing Plan. You will be assigned a dedicated Support Worker so there is consistency in your support throughout. The priority at the start of your journey will be to arrange your ID and register you with a GP. Your Support Worker will support you on your personal journey away from rough sleeping to your own home and a healthier and happier lifestyle.

We will offer you a service that

  • Provides support tailored to your needs and lasts for as long as it is needed.
  • Develops your strengths and helps you to build your own self-confidence to allow you to reach your own solutions with our support.

 

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