Conclusions From the Pilot Project

Signs of Change

The North Wiltshire Homelessness Pilot Project contributed significantly to safety in the local community - the Police reported a fall of over 21% in violent and drug-related crime in Chippenham during our first year of opening.

"I still come to (the drop-in)... It was the first time I'd found people who believed in me. They don't tell you what to do, unless you ask for advice. They don't judge you. If somebody slips back, like on drugs, they just say 'Ok let's start again'." From a recovering heroin addict, now in temporary housing

• We have created a safe and friendly environment
• Guests value the centre and the support we provide very highly and would like to see an increased number of sessions each week and more organised activities
• We have successfully engaged with our guests and seen significant signs of change - including newly acquired skills and increased self-confidence
• We have assisted guests to access health and social care
• Guests have been helped to obtain specialist advice/support and we have thereby helped to prevent homelessness
• Guests return to the centre even after they have been re-housed for support and social contact
• CVS North Wiltshire and The Salvation Army Chippenham Corps have achieved a very effective partnership
• The networks of each partner agency provide invaluable support for the project
• We have a strong, confident and highly trained team comprising both paid and volunteer staff
• We have an excellent record for retaining volunteer staff
• All key policies (e.g. Health and Safety) are in place, in line with good practice
• The project has been a focus for user empowerment and supported the formation of the Chippenham and Swindon User's Forum (CASUF)

"I have been visiting The Salvation Army for approximately two years, they have helped me a great deal and the staff is kind and helpful, if it wasn't for them I would be either back in prison or whatever, eg: Lost the sense to live." From a guest with long-term alcohol dependency 2005

• Homelessness is largely a hidden problem in North Wiltshire, although about 1/3 of guests are sleeping rough when they first approach us, most are staying with friends - "sofa-surfing"
• Most guests become homeless as a result of relationship breakdown
• Many have complex needs including mental health issues, substance dependencies, poor life skills etc.
• Many would have difficulty sustaining a tenancy because of these other needs
• A minority (about 11%) of those seeking our help for the first time are in secure accomodation but have complex issues which affect their ability to manage their affairs
• Most guests have strong local connections with Chippenham / North Wiltshire
• The majority are white British men - average age is 32
• It is common for them to move frequently between friends' or relatives' homes
• A significant number have episodes of rough sleeping or imprisonment
• The centre provides for some of guests' basic needs - food, clothing, social contact etc.
• Under Homelessness legislation only a small minority are eligible to be housed by the Council because they do not have priority need. There is an urgent need for both an open access hostel and intermediate supported accomodation in the area
• Research is needed into the feasibility of an outreach service into other parts of North Wiltshire