Case studies
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Name of project: BOURNEMOUTH STREET SERVICES
NDS theme: Communities
Organisation/Region: Crime Reduction Initiatives, South West
Who funds it? Homelessness Directorate, Drug & Alcohol Specific Grant
(Rough Sleepers Unit), DAT
Contact Name: Sarah March-Pascal
Tel/email: 01202 318020 bournemouthcat@crinet.co.uk
Background/what the project does
A team providing outreach and drop-in services for rough sleepers in Bournemouth, many of whom are using heroin or crack. Through a co-ordinated partnership with night shelters and other agencies in the area, the team have managed to see 300 clients in the six months since they began work in September 2002.
The Street Service project places clients in a night shelter with follow-up assessments aimed at ensuring rough sleepers enter access accommodation and/or treatment services where appropriate. Through grant funding they are also able to place clients in residential treatment centres if need be.
This scheme is run jointly with Second Chance Project (Bournemouth Arrest Referral Service). The service doesn't end there though - the team work with clients after they finish treatment to ensure they find suitable housing, away from Bournemouth if possible, and avoid returning to the streets.
What makes it different
The team is run by the charity Crime Reduction Initiatives, sponsored by the local authority with grants from the former Rough Sleeper's Unit and the local DAT. It specialises in dealing with drug-dependent homeless people, with a strong emphasis on housing advice and aftercare support. The team works closely with Shelter, The Big Issue and other local agencies to co-ordinate work and share information. The team has a 60% completion rate for clients placed in residential treatment.
Quotes
"The satisfaction comes from seeing people like Michael, who had been sleeping rough for many years, now living independently in his own flat. The team were able to help him through each stage of the process so that he went from the streets into treatment, and then into temporary accommodation, and now into his own place."
Last Updated: 29/07/2003
