We’re delighted to announce that our Step Down Housing service in Oxfordshire has been shortlisted for a Homeless Link Excellence Award in the category, Prevention into Action. This is the second time we’ve been shortlisted, and we’re hoping that this time around the team’s hard work and dedication will stand out and take us over the finish line.
The annual Homeless Link awards, pay tribute to the innovative and impactful work across the homelessness and supported housing sector, and winners will be announced at the Working Well event on Monday 11th July 2022.
Step Down Housing, a service which is part of the Oxfordshire Mental Health Partnership provides short-term accommodation for vulnerable patients who are medically ready to be discharged from the Oxford University or Oxford Foundation Trust Hospitals but lack suitable accommodation to continue their recovery. This includes people who are homeless, have a history of drug/alcohol misuse, NRPFs, immigration, those fleeing domestic violence, or people with mobility issues.
Mel Thompson, Team Manager explains: “We appoint Embedded Housing Workers (EHWs) into the hospitals to upskill medical staff and social workers about the complexities of housing these patients. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the EHWs went above and beyond their role by directly contacting patients and taking control of housing them. Subsequently, they have become more involved in the deliverance of discharge plans, which has been essential to relieving pressure on NHS resources”
Collaboration is key to the success of this service. To ensure the best outcome for every guest, it is paramount that we work closely with our partner: Response – who provide the accommodation and maintain the houses, but also with hospital staff, junior doctors, councils, occupational therapists, mental health teams, addiction support, social workers, care coordinators, family/friends, and private landlords.
Peter Moore, Health and Housing Project Manager at Oxford City Council, comments: “Step Down Housing delivered by Connection Support in Oxfordshire is quite simply a phenomenal service. It is leading the way at a national level, consistently outperforming the sector average across a range of metrics, and routinely acknowledged as best practice by peers and evaluators alike. More importantly, the compassion, dedication, and skill of the team has generated incredible, life-changing outcomes for some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people you could ever meet. When every other door has been closed to them, the Step Down Housing Team has offered these people a safe bed and a bit of breathing space, whilst supporting them to grow in confidence and explore their options. I am constantly inspired by the results they achieve and how they go about their work, and we are very lucky to have them.”
The renewal of funding for the next five years, along with the request for more support in the hospitals is a testament to the teams’ achievements and shows how essential their work is. Since the project first began in 2017, over 140 clients have been supported by the service. The team provide a personalised approach for every individual; to understand their unique set of circumstances, challenges, and abilities and work with them to provide practical and emotional support. This includes linking them to the Homeless Pathway options, local housing team, and outreach service, and supporting them with registering with a GP, alcohol and drug support services, benefit claims and budgeting. They are also encouraged to take part in activities such as cooking/reading groups, coffee mornings, and gardening.
Dr Michelle Cornes, Chief Investigator of the Out-of-Hospital Care Models Evaluation, Kings’ College London, also comments: “The evidence for developing specialist out-of-hospital care services for people experiencing homelessness is strong. It has been shown to be both more effective and cost-effective than standard care. This has been backed up by NICE with a new guideline for intermediate care. The Oxford Step Down Houses exemplify best practice. We estimate the overall cost saving to the NHS after the introduction of these important services is in the region of £657,000 (when comparing 2 years before vs. 2 years after their introduction).”
Deb Morris, Operations Manager praised her team, saying: “The Team are winners already in my eyes but being shortlisted for an award is a wonderful recognition of their commitment and passion to the outstanding work they do to change people’s lives. We’re really looking forward to the event in July to find out if we’ve won!”
Image (left to right): Zynique Charles (Support Worker), Deb Morris (Operations Manager), Nicky Whiting (Support Worker), Mel Thompson (Team Manager), Natalie Smith (Support Worker)
