Going Beyond: Homeless Link Practice Podcast

Season 6 Episode 1: Social enterprises: models of working with participants

In Episode 1, we speak to Jordan from Arc Inspire and Tim from HomeLess Made. We speak about their models of social enterprise and how they work with participants, including how they manage tensions, and transitions into paid employment.

Season 5 Episode 5: Improving access to support for women

In Episode 5, we speak to Helen Emmings from the Nelson Trust and Nicky Pearson from Medway Council. We speak about the barriers women experiencing homelessness face in accessing support in the sector, and discuss best practice for ensuring services are gender-informed.

Season 5 Episode 4: Accessing and maintaining supported accommodation

In Episode 4, we speak to Alex Laing and Cal Distin from Oasis Community Housing, alongisde Cynthia, ex-resident at one of their accommodation projects. We speak about the barriers people experiencing homelessness face in accessing supported accommodation, and the ways services can support individuals to maintain, feel safe, and thrive in their accommodation.

Season 5 Episode 3: Accessing and maintaining private rented accommodation

In Episode 3, we speak to Tracey from Winchester City Council, Tara from Vision Housing at the Forward Trust, and Tim and Caprice from Greater Manchester Better Outcomes Partnership. We speak about the barriers people experiencing homelessness face in accessing private rented accommodation and discuss best practice solutions for accessing accommodation, and maintaining a tenancy. 

Season 5 Episode 2: Accessing Local Authority Housing Options

In Episode 2, we speak to Shannon Johnstone, Policy & Research Manager at Expert Link and co-founder of Homelessness Best Practice CIC and Mandie Monroe, Housing Officer. We speak about the barriers people experiencing homelessness face in accessing local authority housing options and what the best practice approaches are to overcoming these. 

Season 5 Episode 1: Accessing Adult Social Care​

In Episode 1, we speak to Andy Meakin, Director at Expert Citizens and Diane Allman, Case Manager on the Changing Futures Programme in Stoke-on-Trent. We speak about the challenges people experiencing homelessness face in accessing support from Adult Social Care and discuss how workers can use the Voices of Stoke Care Act Toolkit to advocate for individuals.​

Improving experiences of A&E

People experiencing homelessness visit A&E three times more often than the general public but attending can be stressful and challenging. Issues such as communication barriers, mental health problems, complex trauma and addictions frequently combine with practical issues and anxiety over being judged and stigmatised.
 
This podcast features guest speaker Sam Dorney-Smith, Nursing Fellow at Pathway. It discusses the challenges people experiencing homelessness face when attending A&E and the challenges for hospital staff in caring for them, highlighting the actions support workers can take to prepare and support their clients in A&E.

Season 4 Episode 5: Change resistance

In Episode 5, we speak to David Gill, Founder of Risk & Resilience Training & Consultancy and Ben Davy, Reset Outreach & Referral Manager at Providence Row. We discuss the complex barriers to treatment services, the importance of understanding the cycle of change, and the role of peer mentors in providing support to people using drugs and alcohol. 

Season 4 Episode 4: Drug use in supported accommodation

In Episode 4, we speak to Ellie McNeil, Chief Executive for YMCA Together and Kevin Flemen, Founder and Manager of the drug awareness service KFx. We speak about drug use in supported accommodation and the importance of policies in this area.

Season 4 Episode 3: Understanding women’s use of substances

In Episode 3, we speak to Fiona McCormack and Sarah Page from Staffordshire University. We speak about women's use of substances, the barriers to access and engagement in support, and best practice for frontline workers.