Overdue: 457 days
Public benefits
The direct benefit flowing from the first purpose includes the provision of safe temporary accommodation for homeless women with direct access in emergency situations and an environment free from violence and risk of emotional distress. The provision of practical support leads to benefits including welfare benefits applications, homeless
applications and housing waiting list support together with basic life skills training and improved physical health. The organisation has always promoted educational and employment training schemes in order to facilitate clients who wish to return to employment or education. This leads to more independence, better financial management and an increase in their self-belief as they have an opportunity to enhance their future. Emotional support is provided which includes individual key working on a one to one basis with each client. We try to prevent homelessness reoccurring through the provision of support and training in understanding how to maintain a tenancy and through our resettlement programme. The direct benefits which flow from this aspect include maintaining independence and providing an opportunity to address long term issues that may have lead them into addiction, poor mental/physical health and ultimately homelessness. Statistical evidence is available to demonstrate that a high proportion of ex residents maintained their tenancy by receiving the resettlement support. The license agreement provided to residents highlights the protection of children or vulnerable adults enabling them to be more aware of protecting themselves in terms of any form of abuse. The hostel environment is made as child friendly as possible with a play area, house rules in terms of children first, and summer trips arranged. The benefits that flow from the second purpose of further study and research into the causes of homelessness have enabled us to develop our training, support and programmes to help our beneficiaries resolve and address more long-term problems. This will remain under continuous review to enable us to develop with changing needs. These benefits are demonstrated through an annual Quality Assessment Framework (QAF) carried out by Supporting People and administered by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive confirming the high standards we are committed to. Benefits are also demonstrated through individual support plans, excellent working relationship with the North West Regional College, Princes Trust, and Job Assist scheme and through statistical information on site, personal testimonies and minutes from meetings with clients which are all stored on site within the confines of data protection legislation The service benefits homeless women of all ages with or without children in the Co of Londonderry Northern Ireland. In relation to wider beneficiaries our service contributes to the whole community as it promotes social inclusion, family support, and enhances each individual’s confidence and emotional and physical health. In order to reduce the possibility of harm, the organisation operates a robust Vulnerable Adults and Protection of Children policy within legislative guidelines and good practice. Policies, legislation, and specific training are each delivered to staff, volunteers and clients through the Licence Agreement which every resident receives. The Complaints Policy and Procedures are shared with all residents in order to facilitate their equality and their fair treatment. This also benefits, our clients as we can respond thoroughly to complaints. In order to achieve the purposes of the organisation and maintain its efficient running, it is necessary to employ appropriately qualified persons and obtain services from certain contractors leading to private benefits for these persons. However, these benefits are incidental and necessary to the overall benefit and are governed by conflict of interest policies and a tender system to ensure the best outcome.
... [more] [less]What your organisation does
Our organisation provides temporary accommodation in Derry City for homeless women with or without children who are experiencing complex needs. The organisation provides temporary accommodation (up to 2 years) in Derry City centre for homeless women with or without children. Since 1978 the service has been available 24/7 with staff on duty at all
times and has a direct access policy. Referrals can be made by self, NIHE, Social Services, and a range of other organisations in both statutory and community sector. Practical and emotional support are provided on an individual basis to each client whilst resident and also to ex residents who wish to extend the support when they are re-establishing permanent independent accommodation in the community. We have accommodation for 18 adults and 15 children and we frequently have a waiting list for our service. Clients are accepted regardless of race, religious denomination, or mental and physical disabilities. The service is governed by a Management Committee and all policies and practice are based on legislative requirements. For example Health and Safety, Protection of Vulnerable Adults and Children, Data Protection Act, are a few examples. In this context our organisation meets the public benefit requirement as follows; • Relief of those in need • Relief of poverty • Human rights, conflict resolution, reconciliation, promotion religious racial harmony, equality, diversity. • Citizenship, community development • Health, saving lives.
... [more] [less]The charity’s classifications
- The relief of those in need by reason of youth, age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage
Who the charity helps
- Addictions (drug/solvent/alcohol abuse)
- Asylum seekers/refugees
- Children (5-13 year olds)
- Ethnic minorities
- Ex-offenders and prisoners
- Homelessness
- Learning disabilities
- Mental health
- Parents
- Physical disabilities
- Preschool (0-5 year olds)
- Sexual orientation
- Travellers
- Unemployed/low income
- Women
- Youth (14-25 year olds)
How the charity works
- Accommodation/housing
- Advice/advocacy/information
- Community development
- Counselling/support
- Cross-border/cross-community
- Disability
- Education/training
- Gender
- Human rights/equality
- Medical/health/sickness
- Relief of poverty
- Volunteer development
- Welfare/benevolent
