Supporting needs and providing a future

Client A presented at our service following different stays in women refuges and homeless provisions, all that appeared to break down due to shared accommodation, conflict and possibility of client needs not been identified at the time.

When she presented into emergency accommodation during the pandemic, she was first placed in the mixed sex hotel, however it was soon felt she would be better placed in female emergency accommodation.

When she arrived, there was as a language and cultural need. Client A had identified domestic violence, honour based violence and possible female genital mutilation. She was supported by a social worker but presented with little confidence or abilities to care for herself. Her risk alerts were high and included no lone working, We adopted our  approach to key working and managed to build positive working relationships with the client.

Over the time in St Anne’s supported emergency accommodation and having key working meetings. Client A began to open up slightly and concerns developed for possible miss-diagnosis of learning difficulties or mental health. Our staff used their skill to support and developed a working relationship that not only nurtured but provide a platform for her personal growth.

As time went on it became apparent that Client A was struggling with many areas of personal and environmental tasks. She would become fixated on not spending money and didn’t like to provide for herself. Staff worked alongside Client A to gain an understanding of where this came from and possibility of any financial abuse. Staff adopted a trauma informed approach and moved away from perceived engagement or dis-engagement of Client A and worked with a foundation of person centred care and explored how as a staff team we could amend our approach. Our team used knowledge of working with vulnerable clients and the need to be trauma informed while respecting Client A’s cultural needs. They began to build trust and client began to develop skills slowly and was seen trying to engage with staff, attending appointment and began spending small amount of money on herself.

Through the partnership working and feedback from our staff who were working closely with Client A and working alongside Leeds Housing Options, plans were put in place for  an Our Way Leeds assessment. St Anne’s staff took the lead in arranging a professionals meeting and getting everyone involved in one place to discuss ongoing needs after emergency accommodation.

The outcome: Client A is in a property supported by Our Way Leeds with initial added outreach support from St Anne’s staff who worked in the hotel to provide a transition period and setting in and getting to know who’s who for the client. We have  continued to partnership work with agencies, and this has resulted in offer from St Anne’s outreach service to provide an additional 10 hour support a week agreed through Adult Social Care to work alongside all other services. This provides a holistic approach to all Client A’s needs being met and ways to prevent further emergency accommodation.