NEWS PRODUCTION: Pre-Production [Idea Research - Homelessness in Kent]

Homelessness in Kent

Government care:

Source: https://www.kent.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/care-and-support/housing-and-care-homes/homeless

“Talk to your local district council about finding somewhere to stay”   

Asks for paperwork explaining reason for homelessness -  “Some councils may need to see specific documents, so you might like to check with them before you visit.”

Forwards to charities: Shelter and Porchlight

Links to support workers for people “having problems with current housing situations”

Housing-related support workers (floating support)

Source:  https://www.kent.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/care-and-support/housing-and-care-homes/help-to-live-at-home/carers-and-assistants/floating-support-workers

Short term support (>1 year) with flexibility to provide support where subject lives, opposed to accomidation based services).

Housing support for over 16s:

·         facing eviction

·         fleeing domestic violence or experiencing harassment

·         leaving an institution

Aiming to help maintain independence in own home.

The service can help you to:

·         set up and maintain a home or tenancy

·         manage finances and benefit claims

·         develop independent living skills

·         gain access to other services

·         ensure your accommodation is safe and secure.

Funding cannot be used for:

·         housing management, personal or health care

·         statutory duties, particularly under community care and homelessness legislation, or aftercare services following hospital discharge.

To apply, you can:

·         complete an online referral

·         print and complete a referral form (DOC, 1.2 MB) and send it to the appropriate provider listed on the form

·         visit one of our gateways

·         visit your nearest Citizen's Advice Bureau

Applications can be pursued by the subject or by a professional already involved with the case.

After applying, support providers will assess the case and decide whether support is given – a review can be given if support is not offered.

Applications only apply to those living in Kent.

Charities:

http://www.porchlight.org.uk

http://england.shelter.org.uk/ 

https://www.trusselltrust.org/

Local charities:

http://www.beyondhomelessness.org.uk/  

http://www.thebridgetrust.org.uk/

http://www.catchinglives.org/

Articles:

http://www.kentlive.news/news/kent-news/homeless-man-set-alight-killed-493669  

http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kent/news/homeless-116640/ “Over 3,000 homeless in Kent according to new report by Shelter”

http://www.kentlive.news/this-the-sad-truth-faced-by-the-many-homeless-people-in-kent-says-porchlight/story-30021938-detail/story.html “This the sad truth faced by the many homeless people in Kent, says Porchlight”

Food banks:

Sou[DW1] rce: http://www.liveitwell.org.uk/recovery-resource/maidstone-foodbanks/#

·         Food For Thought: Maidstone Day Centre, 15 Knightrider Street, Maidstone, Kent. ME15 6LP 01622 674064

·         Food bank Collection Point: All Saints Church, Upper Street, Hollingbourne, Kent, ME17 1UJ 01622 880243

·         Sunshine Children’s Centre: South Borough Primary School, Stagshaw Close, Postley Road, Maidstone, ME15 6TL 01622 752285 (call in advance) 01622 752285

·         The Lighthouse: Go to their website by clicking here or following the link: www.lighthouseuk.org

·         Restoring Hands: Go to their website by following the link: http://restoringhands.org.uk

·         Family Food Bank: To go to their website follow the link: http://www.familyfoodbank.org.uk/how-can-we-help

·         FareShare Kent: To go to their website follow the link: www.fareshare.org.uk

·         Healthy Start Vouchers: follow the link for more information healthy-start

·         Apetito Meal Delivery: 01622 717155 www.apetito.co.uk.  Daily hot meal delivery to your home. You will need to contact you local council’s social services or home support services department in the first instance to see if you are eligible for a subsidised service.

“How do they work?

Care professionals such as doctors, health visitors, social workers, Citizens Advice Bureau staff, welfare officers, the police and probation officers amongst others identify people in crisis and issue them with a foodbank voucher. Foodbank clients bring their voucher to a foodbank centre where it can be exchanged for an emergency supply of food. Each foodbank accepts vouchers from different agencies and professionals and every foodbank has their own way of operating, please see the foodbank website for details of how you can get help.

Some foodbanks also run a delivery service, which takes emergency foodboxes to clients living in rural areas and those who cannot get to a foodbank.
So if you need emergency food please contact your care professional.”

https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-foodbank/medway/

Medway Foodbank (https://medway.foodbank.org.uk/) 

PHONE: 01634 757057

"provide three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred .. in crisis"

part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust

founded by local churches and community groups