On the 24th January Norfolk County Council’s Mental Health Social Care Team and St. Martins held a joint open session at Webster Court. The scheme is aimed at over 50’s with a history of drug or alcohol use and homelessness, often with a history of anti-social behaviour including hoarding.
The provision is funded by housing benefit and adult social care. The day provided an opportunity for housing providers and commissioning teams to visit the service to help influence future housing developments, taking into account the needs of this socially excluded client group.
The day provided an opportunity to reflect on the good work of the provision in keeping vulnerable adults safe and helping them to regain their independence; we heard about the story of Steve (name changed) who was living in a homeless hostel and was regularly financially and physically abused by others. Steve moved into the high needs section (16 hours support each week) following an incident where he was set on fire. Steve settled in well and started to feel safe, supported and accepted. Steve has now moved into the general needs housing section as he no longer requires the intensive support to manage his independence. The scheme supports 33 adults who would otherwise be at risk of exclusion and isolation in their communities.
