Nicola Sturgeon, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing, said ”Strong positive social networks are key to preventing homelessness and helping us to meet the 2012 targets.” 

 

Stewart Maxwell, Minister for Communities and Sport, said: “Tackling homelessness is about much more than simply providing people with a roof over their heads. To prevent the nightmare of repeat homelessness, it’s vital that people build social links within their communities, which contribute enormously to their sense of self-worth and therefore their ability to live settled, fulfilling lives.”

 

Malcolm Chisholm MSP, while Minister for Communities wrote to the Scottish Social Networks Reference Group “I share your view of the importance of positive social networks as a factor in the prevention of homelessness and in finding sustainable solutions. The Scottish Executive fully endorses the holistic approach to homelessness recommended by the Task Force and is committed to ensuring that the social, welfare, health, education and housing needs of homeless people are met.” Social networks are highlighted in the ministerial statement on abolition of priority need by 2012 as indeed is the National Conference, Social Networks – Evidence and Potential, Edinburgh Tuesday 16th May 2006 at which the Minister for Communities will speak.

• View Letter
• Ministerial statement on abolition of priority need by 2012

The Homelessness Task Force final report highlighted that:





The Homelessness Task Force final report recommended that “all projects serving homeless people should pursue strategies to promote and support opportunities for positive social interaction”. The report identified Mentoring, Befriending and Mediation as key measures in building and rebuilding social networks. The absence of this support framework is a major factor in resettlement breakdown.

The three main taskforce recommendations on social networks were:

“55) The strength of a homeless person’s social networks should be an integral part of the assessment of their needs and of the support offered to them in temporary accommodation and during permanent resettlement. All projects serving homeless people should pursue strategies to promote and support opportunities for positive social interaction.

56) A national coordination role should be created to build and coordinate local mediation, befriending and mentoring services for homeless people across Scotland. This role would also evaluate existing projects, disseminate good practice and facilitate information sharing.

57) Local authorities, through their homelessness strategies, should develop practical means of enabling people affected by homelessness to (re)build social networks. This may involve the use of new independent services or a review, with Social Inclusion Partnerships, of current practice.”


See full report “Helping Homeless People An Action Plan for Prevention and Effective Response The Homelessness Task Force Final Report” Scottish Executive 2001







Local Authorities are now asked to ensure that the appropriate support packages are available for those at risk of homelessness and for homeless people during their resettlement. They are specifically charged with including support for the development of positive social networks in their homelessness strategies. Contact your local authority to find out about their homelessness strategy


Mental Health and Well-being - Gregor Henderson, Director of the National Programme for Improving Mental Health and Well-being, highlights that maintaining good social networks really matters for people’s mental health. Social networks are regarded as a key determinant of mental health and well-being. Understanding the importance of social networks, what they mean and what they involve and how they can be developed, nurtured and maintained are crucial for well-being and for a mentally healthy Scotland. More information and links to the Well? magazines are accessible from the National Programme website at: www.wellscotland.info

In England and Wales responsibility lies with the Department of Communites and Local Government www.communities.gov.uk