The Single Access Point
Who is it for?
The Single Access Point,
based at the Bridge, is a specialist service that works with 16 & 17 year
olds who are having difficulties where they are living. They may feel it is hard to stay where they are, or may have
already reached the point where they have looked into or gone to other places.
All 16 & 17 year olds who are experiencing difficulties with accommodation
are directed to the Bridge for assistance.
We can help people to make
positive changes in many areas, the most common issues include:
·
Arguments with
mum/dad/step parents/carers/siblings
·
Disagreements
over house rules, routines and/or chores
·
Not being in
education, employment or training
·
Lack of income
·
Drug and alcohol
misuse
·
Physical health
difficulties
·
Mental health
and learning difficulties
·
Behavioural
problems
·
Criminal or
anti-social behaviour
·
Anger management
problems
·
Self harm
·
Pregnancy
·
Overcrowding
How do we support young people and families?
We provide a holistic Needs Assessment (based on the Common Assessment
Framework) for all 16 & 17 year olds who are currently having difficulties
where they are living
The Single Access Point Worker and the young person then work together to
develop a structured action plan based on the issues explored in the needs
assessment. The action plan takes into
account the young persons individual circumstances, the realities of what is
available to meet the needs identified and
to help them access appropriate advice and support services
The Single Access Point Workers continue to co-ordinate and review the
young person’s plan. This can include liaising and working in close partnership
with external support, guidance and accommodation agencies and internal Bridge
services
The Single Access Point Workers interact with young people in a way which
encourages them to take appropriate responsibility for their situation. We
also
assist the young person and their families in supporting and planning for
future goals and, when appropriate, accommodation
What about parents/ carers?
Often parents have a mixture of emotions when the relationship with their
child becomes difficult. At the Single Access Point we will make the time to
listen to parents and understand their point of view on the situation. To give
young people the best chance we
encourage parental involvement, as it is widely recognised that when a young
person has family support they are more likely to succeed in life. At The Bridge
we can offer support to help families to improve their relationships and
communication within the family.
How and why did we develop the
Single Access Point?
In 2007 the Department of Communities and Local Government recommended
building on the partnership approach between Charnwood Borough Council and The
Bridge to cater for the specific needs of 16 and 17 year olds. The two
organisations worked together to develop The Single Access Point which launched
on the 6th May 2008.
Research has shown that bed
and breakfast accommodation is inappropriate for young people. They are often
left there with little or no support, and placed alongside other vulnerable
people who may have many complex support needs. This can lead to further
difficulties for young people. Therefore the Government has set a target for
all Local Authorities to eliminate the use of Bed and Breakfast accommodation
for those who are homeless by 2010.
The Single Access Point, where possible, works proactively to find
accommodation solutions other than bed and breakfast because of the detrimental
effect it has on vulnerable young people. We aim to become involved as early as
possible to put in appropriate support for the young person and family to
prevent potential homelessness becoming a reality.
The Single Access Point has developed close working relationships with
support services and functions through effective multi-agency working. This co-ordinated approach compliments the recent
national roll out of the Common Assessment Framework and enables young people
to more easily access specialised support.
Contacts
Rachel Hodgson - F/T SAP Worker
01509 220560
rachel.hodgson@bridgehousingservices.com
01509 220560
anna.leigh@bridgehousignservices.com