Supported Housing Programme

The Supported Housing programme aims to bridge the gap between prison and independent living for ex-offenders. The transfer from custody to community is a critical time when positive changes can either be cemented or lost because there are endless opportunities for men to slip back into previous patterns of drug-use and crime. Alongside ex-offenders we also welcome vulnerable men who are recovering from addictions or are homeless. We provide advice and support so men become empowered to live back out in the community.

On release from prison, having completed our in-Prison rehabilitation programme (or similar programmes available in the community) the men are referred or self refer to Nehemiah’s Supported Housing programme in Streatham and Clapham. The transfer from custody to community is a critical time when positive changes can either be cemented or lost. There are endless opportunities for the men to slip back into previous patterns of drug-use and crime if they are not offered appropriate advice and support. Our abstinence based residential programme accommodates up to fifteen men at any one time. The programme bridges the gap between release and full reintegration by providing a structured and supportive environment for the men as they learn to sustain their new lifestyles, and to become independent and self-sufficient. The result is a development of self-awareness which enables a permanent change in negative behaviour patterns. 

Duration

Residents can stay in our Streatham house for up to 12 weeks. In addition to the residential programme, they learn essential life skills – communication, social, problem solving and coping strategies. The programme is intended to give the men a sense of purpose, and they are encouraged to find work and further training. Over, this time, as and when appropriate, we gradually reduce our input as we encourage them to think for themselves.

At the end of this time, provided that they are ready, they move to our Clapham house. Although they still have regular one-to-ones with our support staff, the rules are greatly relaxed and they have considerably more freedom and independence. They can stay here for up to a year, then they are expected to move into their own accommodation. We are currently working on a partnership approach to the very real problem of finding appropriate accommodation.

Objectives

The main objectives of our supported housing programme are:

·        Provision of high quality living and learning environment for ex-offenders, the homeless  and those leaving other drug rehabs

·        Provision of a structured ‘Drug and Alcohol Third Stage Recovery Programme’. Residents are given professional advice, counselling and key working

·        Supporting the residents in finding employment, helping with the completion of CV’s and job applications

·        Encouraging residents to find appropriate education and training

·        Increasing the residents’ ability to deal with:

Ø      Personal relationships including help with family relationships which have broken down. Some are desperate to rebuild broken relationships with their families and, in particular, their children.

Ø      Coping with stress and handling personal problems

Ø      Practical issues eg signing up with a doctor and dentist, sorting out benefits, learning to comply with any bail or probation issues

Ø      Demands of specific work situations

Ø      Lifestyle issues eg managing money, learning about nutrition, simple cooking, managing free time

Ø      Self control and self-discipline

Ø      Continuing to lead a drug and crime free life