OTHER MODELS OF SUPPORT

“The key issue is to establish what is appropriate for the individual.” said Malcolm Chisholm MSP, Minister for Communities at the conference, Social Networks – Evidence and Potential Mentoring. He highlighted the Homelessness Task Force final report recommendation that “opportunities for positive social interaction should be pursued by all projects working with homeless people”. The Task Force specifically mentioned mentoring, befriending and mediation however there are many ways to support the (re)development of positive social networks. These approaches are not mutually exclusive and will often be combined to meet the needs of the individual.

This page provides information on a variety of topics including:

and will be updated as more information becomes available.

Supporting People
“Supporting People” is an integrated policy and funding framework for housing support services introduced from April 2003. The aim is to provide good quality services, focused on the needs of users, to enable vulnerable people to live independently in the community, in all types of accommodation and tenure. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/Housing/supportpeople

Counselling
Counselling and psychotherapy are ways of responding to a wide range of human needs. Counselling and psychotherapy provide opportunities for those seeking help to work towards ways of living in more satisfying and resourceful ways. For more information on counselling and homelessness and to view a case study, click here.

Neighbourhood Networks
Neighbourhood Networks is modelled on the principles and practices of KeyRing, a well- established English company, who pioneered the model of ‘Living Support Networks’ to support individuals who are labelled with a learning disability to live in their own homes. This model of developing social networks can be used to support the reintegration of other excluded groups into the local community. For more information, click here.