Short-term supported housing
Hestia provides a range of this kind of housing for people with mental health needs, offenders or people at risk of offending, people with substance misuse problems and women who have experienced domestic violence. The intended length of stay in these services ranges from 6 to 24 months. Support is provided in designated furnished and equipped accommodation that may be shared or self-contained. Staff support varies from service to service with some providing 24 hour on site support, some with daytime staff support on site and others a regular visiting service. The regular contact with staff focuses on a planned key work system of support that typically covers: - accessing health care and social activities, employment and training, budgeting and income maximisation, life skills development and resettlement planning and tenancy issues. Staff assist service users to find permanent accommodation and prepare for move on as they become ready for more independence.
Hestia manages short –term supported housing in the boroughs of: Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Hounslow, Royal borough of Kingston upon Thames, Merton, Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, Southwark and Wandsworth.
Access to these services is through referral from a relevant borough housing panel via a social/probation worker or community mental health team.
Hestia manages 4 refuges and a floating support and outreach service for women experiencing domestic violence. Refuges are safe and comfortable and a range of support is provided. Referrals can be made to one of our refuges or another UK refuge by calling National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247. Referrals also come via police, hospital or social services.
“I am always grateful for the help I have received at Kingston Refuge. I have realised the fact that I have come a long way regarding my confidence since being housed and helped.”
“This is my first time in a refuge and so far, it has been good. I have been here for one month and my case worker has been fantastic. She has provided me with care and emotional support during my key sessions. I know that by the time I leave the refuge I will have regained my self confidence because of the support being provided. I recommend the refuge to any woman who is fleeing domestic violence because it is a place where you feel safe. It provides a chance to turn your life around and achieve the goals you always hoped to. Since I arrived here I have been provided with; emotional support, counselling, moving-on advice, life skills and education. With all of this behind me, I can look forward to the future.”
"The staff here work under tremendous pressure. For myself, I can only express great satisfaction at the level of support and understanding that all the staff give."
North Kensington Refuge resident.
“This project seems to have good links with resources in the community and staff work in partnership with CMHT & the hospital…I found the support flexible in the early stages of the placement which helped my client settle in…Staff seem open to supporting clients with a range of needs and approaching these needs holistically.”
Community Mental Health Team, Hounslow.
“I am pleased with the service provided by Dame Gertrude Young house. In many ways the project is a victim of its own success with challenging residents. The nature of the residents referred reflects the confidence that stakeholders have in the service.”
Ealing Mental Health Liaison Officer at the biannual review.