Mental health homelessness team commended for innovative approach
The Safer, Kinder, Better Awards recognised the amazing work of the Inclusion Health and Homelessness Team.
Based in Norwich, Jenny Walker and Olly Holgate, from the Trust’s Inclusion Health and Homelessness Team, were honoured with the Inclusion Award at December’s prize-giving event at Sprowston Manor.
In the past year, they have supported 290 service users, and made more than 2,100 contacts, including face-to-face, telephone and professional meetings.
Jenny said: “Our real hope from winning the award is that it will help us to be able to talk more about what we do, why it works, and how important it is.”
Working together since 2018, Jenny and Olly have helped some of the most vulnerable people in the city and have learned that there is a real lack of understanding of people’s needs and their circumstances.
Their roles, which are commissioned by Norwich City Council, see them work with other agencies and charities including St Martins Housing Trust, Salvation Army, Future Projects and Shelter as part of a project called Pathways to support people experiencing homelessness.
“We work with the most amazing people - there is never a dull day in this job,” said Jenny.
“So much of what we do is about building relationships and connection. To have the opportunity to understand somebody’s story and to journey with them is a real privilege.
“We know there are real gaps in the provision of services. Quite often, we’re seeing some of the most unwell people just slip through the gaps and sadly end up sleeping on the street.
“We also see a lot of digital exclusion, many of the people we’re working with don’t have access to computers, don’t have mobile phones, and some don’t have an address for services to send letters to. It’s so important therefore for us to be where people are and be able to respond quickly.”
Jenny added: “Advocacy is a huge part of our role, helping connect people and build bridges with the services and care people need. We’re not telling people what they need, we’re asking people what they want. We know their priorities might not be our priorities. We’re trying to build their trust in services again so we can help them to get any further care they might need.”
The Inclusion Health and Homelessness Team are embedded within primary care and many tertiary sector services. This approach aids inclusivity for patients with flexible ways of working, and allows for the provision of adaptive, patient-centred care in the ‘right place at the right time’.