Recommendations for the voluntary sector
Change the culture in hostels
Homeless individuals are often discouraged from entering work by voluntary sector run hostels and accommodation providers. Although the intentions of these support workers may be to protect homeless people from failure, they highlight a culture where people may sometimes be discouraged from achieving their greatest potential. Embedding employment support within hostel cultures is vital – our research clearly indicates that people in these environments can, and want to work.
Our research suggests that some hostels foster dependency. Hostel residents often prefer smaller hostels, where they are provided with opportunities to participate in meaningful activities. Whilst these types of accommodation may not be a realistic option for people with complex needs and dependency issues, moving more hostels towards these models will be important in improving transitions to work. Increasing IT access in hostels would be helpful.
Increase knowledge about benefits
Homeless people who are returning to work often have poor knowledge about their benefit entitlements. Whilst this is partly the responsibility of Jobcentre Plus, our research suggests that more could be done within hostels and supported accommodation, to ensure people receive accurate information.
Good key workers are…key, so hold on to them and recruit more like them!
Trusted key workers, signposting to specific service pathways and providing ongoing support and advice, in addition to enabling people to maintain motivation and confidence, are often key to moving into employment. Providing such employment focused services within hostels and supported accommodation, could be further developed within key worker roles, potentially giving access to further sources of funding.
Encourage and support clients to volunteer
Many homeless people undertake voluntary work. Structured, well-managed and appropriate placements can have a positive impact both on people’s confidence and their ability to operate in a working environment. Enabling more homeless people to participate in such activities should be seen as a priority.
Encourage and support clients to build social networks
Nearly all the homeless people we have spoken to, say that new social networks are a positive aspect of work. Individuals find increased motivation from meeting and working with people who have moved from similar circumstances to themselves into employment. Enabling people to build and sustain supportive peer networks and relationships is likely to be a key means of building their confidence, and to move towards or into work. Where this isn’t possible, ongoing and accessible key worker support may be an appropriate backup.