A huge part of what we do at Simon On The Streets is providing outreach work in the local community.
We know that facing homelessness can be a lonely and isolating experience. As important as it is to ensure that people living on the streets are safe and secure, emotional support is just as essential. That’s why our work isn’t just focused on practical support.
Here’s just a few ways we help vulnerable people to work towards a better future.
Emotional support
Team Simon doesn't just offer practical support for our clients - we understand that supporting their mental and emotional wellbeing is equally important.
Given that people facing homelessness struggle with mental health problems almost twice as much as people with a fixed address, it’s vital that we provide emotional support. Whether this is accompanying someone to an appointment, meeting for a chat, or guiding them to community support services, we’re there when they need us.
We don’t aim to create quick fixes - instead, we’re focused on longer term solutions. We also don’t see the situation as resolved once someone is in stable accommodation.
The transition from living on the streets to becoming a tenant can be extremely challenging. Someone who’s experienced homelessness might struggle with paying bills or obtaining work, which is where we come in to support them.
Seeing everyone as an individual
Unfortunately, there are still many judgements and stereotypes surrounding homelessness. We’re constantly working to dispel the stigma our clients face, which is why it’s so important for us to understand their unique needs and circumstances.
Every person facing homelessness has come from a different background. They may have fled from their home country, fallen on unexpected employment or financial difficulties, been evicted from their home, or even escaped domestic violence.
Our outreach workers find different ways of connecting with their clients, depending on their situation. Whilst one person might find it helpful to have a walk around the park with a member of our team, another person might have health issues which mean we need to come directly to them.
Working with empathy
We never judge or blame our clients for their circumstances. Instead, empathy is at the heart of everything we do.
The people we support already face enough barriers in accessing help, so we aim to make our experience with them as accessible as possible. We focus our work around what they want, not what we think they need.
Our outreach workers develop long-lasting relationships with the individuals they meet.
We know it takes time for someone to trust us when they’ve experienced difficult life circumstances. That’s why our team works tirelessly to connect with clients. They’re out at different times of day, often visiting people in the early mornings and evenings.
Unfortunately, there’s still a lack of services to support people living on the streets. At Simon On The Streets we’re constantly working to fulfil this need, but we can only break the cycle of homelessness with your help.
There’s so many ways you can contribute to improving the lives of the most vulnerable people in society.