Depaul UK’s Post

This article looks into the findings from the first temporary accommodation conference held by Campbell Tickell and Devonshires, and plans to set up a Temporary Accommodation Network. https://lnkd.in/dKTXvimB

Some reflections from last week, discussing single young homelessness at Digartref Cyf AGM, with local authority and third sector colleagues: I advise anyone who has not already read the Shelter Cymru and Bevan Foundation joint report on the experiences of homeless persons in temporary accommodation in Wales to do so.Link below to the recording of the launch event, and the report is on their websites. The increase in the use of B and B accommodation and unsuitable hotels and homes is evidence (if any more was needed) of the inadequacy of housing strategies and priorities in many Councils across Wales over decades. There is also now clear evidence of the failures of some RSLs in Wales to support their local authority partners to avoid the use of B and B accommodation. However, there are shining examples of RSLs who have always delivered for their local authority partners, and some Local authorities who are making meaningful changes to the way they deliver their statutory duties whilst coping with financial cuts. Where is the Regulatory review of individual local authority and RSL performance? I think it is time for another round of deep dive audits into the care failures and the cost failures. How is the Housing Support Grant performance going across Wales, now preventative services funding is back in the hands of local authorities? Why have some local authorities tendered at every opportunity, racing to the bottom on mainly cost alone; whilst others have never tendered out some services, and have not conducted service reviews for years to check their quality? Do they engage service users directly to ask them about the services being delivered, or is that still on the difficult to do list? One really bad recent example I came across, where the race to the bottom on price has resulted in one third sector charity losing 25% of its contracts and turnover in one go, losing out on economies of scale to a non local mono lingual charity that is based in a city two hours travel away. So much for the circular economy and keeping surpluses locally! How we as a society treat our elderly, our sick, and our homeless persons is a reflection of how much we care. We should celebrate and promote those beacons of best practice, but we also need to shine a light on those areas where it seems only the Frontline support worker, social worker, housing advice worker, really care. Discuss....

📋 Navigating the new Ofsted regulations for supported accommodation can be challenging. Our latest blog offers a comprehensive guide to help providers understand and comply with these standards, ensuring quality care for young people transitioning to independence. ➡️ Stay informed and prepared – read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eQqfP7xU

A Call to Action to Supported Accommodation Providers Following a recent survey of our provider members and ongoing communication with those members, several concerns have been raised, that still need to be properly addressed by the relevant authorities. We reaffirm the defence of the much-needed regulation of the sector to protect vulnerable young people. But, provider concerns are being elevated by recent public communications from Ofsted that don’t seem to be in line with the content of the original regulations and the guide accompanying the regulations. On which providers depended to make their decision to register and shape their services. These concerns are related to: - The downgrading of Supported Accommodation and limiting the support that providers are able and capable of delivering for the benefit of many vulnerable young people; - Decision-making affecting the lives of vulnerable young people is coming from outside and above as opposed to within and below, with no representation of the voice (and concerns) of the ones that deliver Supported Accommodation, meaning the vast experience that already exists in the sector and the actual experience of the young people is being ignored; - The application of the regulations is being shaped by anecdotes and outliers and not the reality of what supported accommodation is and can be for many vulnerable young people. The SAA is promoting a meeting open to any supported accommodation provider to discuss these concerns, intending to create an open letter of concerns and expectations, to be delivered to Ofsted, DfE and other representative governmental associations. We also call for other provider associations to join this meeting, so the voices of providers can be heard and taken into consideration. https://lnkd.in/e33ah-wV #supportedaccommodation #saa #ofsted #dfe

It is essential that providers come together with one voice to ask for clarity, and consistency from our regulator and the government. By doing so will help drive up standards and quality of practice in the sector.

Are you living in emergency or temporary accommodation? Or are you helping someone living in emergency or temporary accommodation. It is difficult to find information online about this situation. This is why we are updating a guide to help you understand the law and your rights in temporary accommodation. Let us know more about your experiences in this short survey to help us make our guide better ↘️ https://shorturl.at/Rctsi #TemporaryHousing #EmergencyHousing #TemporaryAccommodation #EmergencyAccommodation

Are you living in emergency or temporary accommodation? Or are you helping someone living in emergency or temporary accommodation. It is difficult to find information online about this situation. This is why we are updating a guide to help you understand the law and your rights in temporary accommodation. Let us know more about your experiences in this short survey to help us make our guide better ↘️ https://shorturl.at/Rctsi #TemporaryHousing #EmergencyHousing #TemporaryAccommodation #EmergencyAccommodation

I wish we had the #power to see impact of the #accommodations and #services we offer or withhold from #kids.  If we could have that #persepective more services would likely be offered.   Which service or accommodation do you think has had the biggest impact on your child's life?  #SpecialEducationNavigation #KnowledgeIsPower #FightForTheirRights #SchoolSupport

Read this blog by our ambassador Mahmoud on his experience of finding off campus accommodation.  He gives valuable advice on how to advocate for yourself when negotiating a deal, and how to avoid scams.  Read here: https://lnkd.in/eHdSM7Yb

Lots of our clients ask for a place where there is separate accommodation for all of those family and friends that will visit them. It's not usual for that separate to be actually better than the main part of the house but here we have one of these rare examples https://lnkd.in/dmVU4xkJ #Valencia #ValenciaProperty