How does the Work Programme actually work ….?

A client of BHT was put on the Work Programme. She said it prevented her from moving forward in her life. She was required to do newspaper and online searches for jobs, three hours a day. She said she received no training and could not talk about her support needs. She said she became increasingly stressed and had nowhere to turn.

She then heard of BHT’s Intern Programme. Our Intern Co-ordinator, Rob Robinson, negotiated with the Work Programme provider that she be able to do a placement through the Intern Programme. Her support needs were identified, as were the skills she had, and a placement was made available for her at our Advice Centre in Queens Road where she was encouraged and appreciated.

Within five to six weeks her growing confidence was noted. She absorbed the learning opportunities made available to her, and she thrived on the culture and work habits. She was encouraged to become more involved with the work and was valued by her colleagues.

She began telling Rob Robinson: “I can do stuff” and “Someone might want me to work for them”.  Through her own efforts, without being forced, she looked for jobs, received training on CV writing and interview skills. She was successful with the first job she applied for, and is now working in a private solicitors practice in Brighton.

Each year BHT commits £40,000 of our charitable funds to the Intern Programme, and this is matched by £35,000 from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.

Depending on how long she stays in work, the Work Programme provider will receive between £10k and £13k. BHT will receive nothing.

Investing is local services means that ‘sticky money’ stays in town

I am sure that I was not alone in being shocked by the news that Derby City Council is cutting its Supporting People budget by 83%. Gillian Sewell, Chief Executive of YMCA Derbyshire, which will lose 84% of its funding from the council in April, said: “The effects of the proposed cuts will be measured in a potentially disastrous rise in homelessness, rough sleeping, crime, anti-social behaviour, ruined lives and human suffering in Derby. Furthermore, many of those facing housing crisis will have to be housed in unsafe, inappropriate B&B or similar accommodation at an increased cost to the Council.”

In Brighton and Hove we have been most fortunate in having successive administrations, of all political colours, who have recognised the importance of protecting services for the most vulnerable members of our society.  This has to be commended, particularly in such challenging economic times.

Some councils have gone down the road of combining all contracts into one and inviting national providers to bid in the misguided belief that the council will get better value for money.  There may be some savings but the long-term cost to the community, and very often other parts of the same council, can be huge.

There is great value in services being provided by a number of agencies including client choice, different approaches that might be more effective with different clients, diverse skills, and the sustainability of organisations who are local employers.

Local providers often bring additional charitable funding to services and service development, and they often have local infrastructure that adds value that outside organisations will not have.  An example is the Support for Housing service that we run in partnership with Southdown Housing Association.  Because we own our head office in Brighton, we were able to convert the ground floor to a drop in at a modest cost that we were able to bear.  An outside agency would not have the same commitment nor the local infrastructure to do something similar.

There is also value in investing in local providers given the local multiplier which sees money spent by local commissioner staying within the local economy.  Some refer to this as “sticky money”.  By investing in local services provided by local agencies, money is recycled within the local economy.

The future looks bleak for our colleagues in Derby.  My thoughts are with them at this incredibly difficult time.

Comparing the Work Programme and the BHT Intern Programme

Like many other charities, BHT made a decision very early on not to become directly involved in the Work Programme. Our decision was based on our assessment that it would not work, for participants and for charities like us.  The experience of many of our partner organisations, most of whom have now withdrawn from direct involvement with the Work Programme, appears to have vindicated our decision. An honourable exception, and one doing excellent work on bahalf of its clients is the Newhaven Community Development Association.

We co-operate with some Work Programme providers such as Avanta.  It is not that we oppose the objectives of the Work Programme. On the contrary, it is our commitment to providing real opportunities to our clients that drives our work regarding employment and what was behind our decision to set up the BHT Intern Programme.

BHT has committed a significant sum of its own charitable funds in our programme. We are extremely grateful to the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation for its three year investment in the programme.

This week I heard more about the personal development and action planning undertaken by our Interns, and how we didn’t get it right at the outset. I was surprised by what I learned.

All participants in the Intern Programme were prepared to do job searches and applications. However, the majority initially shied away from actually doing them. This isn’t because they were workshy or not interested in getting employment. On the contrary, they are highly motivated and keen to develop and use their skills.

Common feedback, when asked why they hadn’t done a job search, was being intimidated and bewildered by the array of choice when doing job searches.  The more they look, the more reluctant they were to apply. To overcome this we arranged one-to-one sessions where our Intern Coordinator, Rob Robinson, provided an encouraging helping hand. It is a time-consuming process, but time that Rob feels is well spent. By doing it with the Interns, confidence is built along with the necessary IT skills, and their fear is overcome. Rob says that he helps reframe in their minds what they can do as opposed to what they can’t do.

There was a similar experience when it came to doing actual job applications. Rob initially took them through a mock application process . He was aware that they were not happy with this exercise and several became distressed. One said the sight of an application form made him feel physically sick.

Several Interns expressed a fear of the empty boxes on most application forms, and the fear that they would never be considered for the post. As a result when it came to doing an actual application, they put it after the last minute and then it was rushed. One individual said that such was his past experience of failure that, to get the necessary courage to proceed, he first needed to get drunk, with predictable consequences.

As a result, Rob evolved a new bespoke approach, delivered on a one-to-one basis which drew on the rich, diverse experience of people who had for various reasons become very disempowered. He said that many did not know what they were good at even though it was obvious to him.

Rob described an approach with 13 steps which included spreading out application forms on the floor and into different sections, first dealing with the standard questions around employment history, references, etc, and then underlining in the remainder of the form precisely what was being asked for. And so it goes on, breaking it down into smaller, bite-size chunks. This approach has been successful and of the first 16 who have been supported by Rob in this way, within six months, six had already got into paid employment. This compares favourably with the achievements of the Work Programme.

Rob, who knows a lot more about this than I do, says that if we are serious in helping people into employment they need small, bespoke employment schemes. He says that groups, even small ones, are limited in their effectiveness. Participants don’t want to reveal their lack of knowledge or their fear in front of others.

I wonder how anyone in a group of up to 30 individuals have any hope of doing anything meaningful, no matter how committed the Work Programme provider might be.

One thing that Rob did not say was that jobseekers need someone on their side, someone who will champion their cause, and sensitively nurtured them. In Rob, those on the BHT Intern Programme have such a champion and cheerleader to boot!

Tusen Takk (Swedish for a thousand thank yous) from a client of BHT’s Olympus House Project

One of the best parts of my job is to meet people who have benefited from our services.  Sometimes (quite often, actually) I receive letters or see letters written by clients to different services.  This week I was sent the following letter which was addressed to the staff team at BHT’s Olympus House project:

“Murray/Adam/Belinda/Michelle/Chloe and all others (Dave/etc/)

“I write this letter with much gratitude. Where do I start? That is a good one! I remember the day Murray invited me to stay here. I did so after one of many chats that I would have throughout my stay here.

“I was homeless, vunerable, overwhelmed. You name it I was an emotional wreck. After a couple of weeks of being here I didn’t speak to any of the staff on a personal level. I did feel the support when I went through a (approx) 2 week phase where I considered ending things. Adam was in and I was so down, he asked if I was O.K and if I wanted a chat. I declined but after 30 minutes of being very, very upset I decided I had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

“However when I buzzed down Adam had left and Chloe was there and offered the sae support. Of course I declined, um’d and arh’d and finally went down for a cuppa (by the way, Chloe makes a lovely cup of tea). We had a good chat which saved me in many ways. I believe that chat was a turning point in my road to perdition (I think that is the right phrase).

“I have grown ever so fond of ALL the staff. My life has improved 10 fold (even though I still feel like a bit of a fuck up). However now, I have come forward even more. I have some structure in my life, I have goals, targets and have in my own way become wiser. I don’t want you to think I am singling out this person as someone that has done more than others because I personally think collectively you have all helped.

“I will say that Adam is a real gem and spiritually a very very kind special person. Empathy, compassion and insight are things he has in abundance. You all do, but people are likes horses and courses. Different horse for a different course. I just found Adam very very easy and calming to speak too. I know I ramble on, I seem confident but we all are insecure in our own ways! Whatever you are paying him is not enough (lol). Thank you personally Adam. You have done so much for me. Tusen Takk (Swedish for a thousand Thank yous).

“Thank you Murray for your wise chats (especially after my recent episode, thank you), you are a kind man. Thank you Chloe. Thank you Michelle. Thank you Belinda. Thank you Dave. Thank you Sarah. Thank you Sophie. Thank you all for your help. Thank you team Olympus House. You have helped me rebuild my life and I will be sad to see you are not there in my everyday life (you made a difference).

“With all my love, All the wisdom you have as individuals, you are real, kind people. Tusen Tusen Takk. Thank you from the whole of my soul.”

Providing highly-rated support to men and women in Eastbourne

I have been sent quotes from clients of BHT’s Home Works project in Eastbourne which we run in a partnership with Southdown Housing Association. The service is funded by East Sussex County Council through the Supporting People programme.

“…the workers have given me more confidence and I can do things I couldn’t believe (possible)”

“…the support and guidance was amazing.  She has helped build my confidence and made me a stronger, happier person”

“…from start to finish my needs were met beyond my expectation……there is always room for improvement although since I have received such good support I fail to see where improvements could be made”

“I am in awe of the support that I have been given”

“…without doubt I would not still be here if not for you and your team…”

“…I have accessed Housing Benefit myself to get my rent paid directly to me after having meetings with my worker, I have more capability to do things on my own…”

“…..I was treated with respect and as an individual despite my disability, and my personal choice adhered to…”

What is great about Home Works is that men and women from across East Sussex don’t have to worry about approaching different organisations. It is just Home Works whether you live in Eastbourne, Hastings, Wealden, Rother or Lewes. You can be assured of a first class service whether it is provided by BHT or Southdown staff

If you live in Eastbourne, Lewes or Wealden, contact Home Works West on 01273 898700

If you live in Hastings or Rother, contact Home Works East on 01424 858341

Real Life Stories from BHT’s Crisis Response and Support Services

This is the fifth in a series of contributions from BHT clients.  This post has two contributions from clients of our Response Services that comprise three separate and distinct services – Crisis Response Service, BHT Rough Sleepers’ Initiative and Support Response Service. All are funded through Housing Related Support (SP).

The first is a thank you letter received from a client:

“I really would like to say ‘Thank You’, for all of the help that you have provided me with. It’s been quite a stressful period, being evicted and becoming homeless and I know that without your help … I would not have dealt with the problem very well at all; I do fully appreciate everything that you have done for me and continue to do with your team at BHT, and, also, appreciate that without your help I would certainly have become street homeless. There’s no way that I can repay any of you for all the help that you have given, but I really do want you to know that you have been an essential part of overcoming my housing problems and needs and that I am so very grateful. So, thank you, so much, again”.

The second is an account of an 83 year old.  It shouldn’t but I am still taken aback when I hear of someone of this age in dire need:

C came back to the UK from the Canary Islands aged 83 and partially sighted to be near her family, after having sold her house to pay for medical bills when her son became ill and had no insurance. Any money she had left was then stolen by her grandson, who was addicted to heroin, and had gained access to her bank account. This left her with no money and she was not allowed to claim benefits initially because she had none of the necessary proofs, particularly where the money from the sale of her house had gone. She ended up sofa-surfing and sometimes sleeping on a camp bed at her sister’s. The Council found her a privately rented flat but hadn’t realised there were issues regarding her access to benefits.  We worked with her to prove that she had not spent or hidden the money herself and made the case to Housing Benefit and the Pensions Service so that she could eventually get her rent paid and have money to live on. We also kept the landlord informed about what was happening and arranged for the rent to be paid directly to the landlord when she got it. She is still waiting to hear about a grant for some furniture, but has been given essential items by members of her family.”

Real Life Stories: Wayne’s Story

This is the fourth in a series of posts that record the experiences of men and women who have used one of BHT’s various services. In his own words, this is Wayne’s story:

“I’m born and bred in Brighton, lived here all my life. I felt very lonely, isolated and scared as a child and was abused sexually and in other ways. I grew up distrusting life and people in general. My progression into drugs and drink was very fierce and full on. Age eight I tried glue and gas. This then spiralled into dope, speed, acid, ecstasy, crack, drink and then heroin. I spent a total of 34 years in active addiction. My needle fixation was extreme as was all of my addiction.

“I spent a total of nine years in and out of prison due to committing crime to fund my addiction. Also many trips to hospital intensive care units, overdoses, fits, seizures, collapses and a coma.

“After trying to get clean many times through BHT’s Detox Support Project over the last eight years, I finally managed to get my recovery after completing a two and a half month detox at Detox Support Project in January 2011 and then spending eight months at the Recovery Project. The support I’ve had has been fantastic, and the staff team brilliant. My keyworker Anne at the Recovery Project I hold dear to my heart. Words cannot describe how much she helped me.

“I have a strong recovery now as I have a 12 step programme in my life. I mentor a client at Detox Support Project and also do lots of volunteer work there and at Recovery project. I’m coming up to one and a half years clean, completely free from addiction and I have a life not just an existence. How lovely to be able to give back what was freely given to me from Blythe and her team. God Bless.”

Real Life Stories: David’s Story

This is the third in a series of posts that record the experiences of clients of BHT.

“David was made redundant after being employed by the same company for years. He was unable to find employment and couldn’t keep up with rent payments for his private rented accommodation.

“Having never been in this situation before, he was not aware of claiming benefits and he exhausted his redundancy pay. Within the space of four months David found himself street homeless. He was sleeping rough, usually in the tunnels underneath Brighton Pier or empty phone boxes or the shelter at Brighton bus station.

“He was very vulnerable and was subjected to assault, robbery and hate crimes. This had a dramatic effect on both his physical and mental health and he was diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety.

“David was referred to the Accommodation for Work project by First Base. He attended weekly one to one sessions with his project worker and they developed an Employment Plan. The project supported him to complete two part time I.T courses. David decided to do these courses to open himself up to a wider job market, increasing his chances of securing employment.

“The project referred David to Business Action on Homelessness, and he completed a two week work placement. The management of the company was so impressed by his hard work, ability to learn quickly, and positive attitude, that he was offered a full time permanent job straight after the placement. David continues to work there full time.

“He saved up enough money for a deposit and first month’s rent and he has secured his own private rented tenancy.

“In a year, David went from rough sleeping, suffering from anxiety, and feeling very far away from his old life to having a new career, getting his confidence back, and feeling positive about the future.”

Real Life Stories: Lesley’s Story

I often receive letters and notes from clients of BHT’s services that tell real life stories about how they have seen their lives changed by the support, advice and encouragement of our staff.  I am planning to publish these accounts, with the agreement of the individual concerned, on this blog. The words are theirs, not mine:

“I am a single woman who found myself homeless and unemployed due to a combination of circumstances, this was not something that I had expected or planned for.

“I found my way into your service by speaking to the Eastbourne Job Centre who advised me to approach BHT Eastbourne Advice, I was unsure of the processes involved but received help and advice from the receptionist who made an appointment for me to speak to the accommodation advisor.

“Within days I had a roof over my head and a support package provided by Firm Foundations and Homework’s that has helped me to get back on my feet.

“By having a roof over my head and the support of the organisation I have been able to achieve many of my goals, I am now self-employed and although not earning fortunes I am more independent financially and more confident for the future.

“I believe that the opportunities given to me by BHT have been life changing, I am now looking forward to finding my own accommodation in the private rented sector and rebuilding my life.

“I strongly believe in what BHT are doing to help the homeless and I am looking to become a volunteer with the Tenancy Centre to help other people.

“Thank you.”

I am delighted to agree 100% with Grant Shapps on the value of the Supporting People programme

For every pound spent through the Supporting People programme saves £3 through reduced costs in homelessness, tenancy failure, crime, health and residential care packages. You would expect me as Chief Executive of BHT, a housing association and charity with several million Pounds of contracts providing support to vulnerable people in Brighton and Hove, Eastbourne and Hastings, to say the above, and to say what follows:.

The £1.6billion invested annually in Supporting People could save as much as £3.41billion in the costs of alternative help for vulnerable people.  Local taxpayers will rightly expect their councils to do their utmost to protect the services that help the most vulnerable residents in their communities – and so do I.

£6.5billion Supporting People funding each year helps approximately a million people to live independent lives.

As councils look to set their budgets, I would urge them to consider the evidence that with each pound spent through Supporting People saving £3 by avoiding more costly alternatives, and invest to save to ensure help continues for those most in need.

As I have said, you would expect someone like me to say the above. But these are not my words. They are the words of the Housing Minister in the Coalition Government, Grant Shapps, in a plea to local authorities to protect the Supporting People budgets in their areas.  I am delighted to agree with him 100% on the value of the Supporting People programme.