Many of BCHA’s clients have challenging and highly traumatic histories, ranging from domestic abuse and mental health issues to alcohol dependency and substance misuse. A number will be ex-offenders. Sometimes forming relationships can be challenging as their ability...
BCHA
BCHA is a charitable housing association dedicated to ending homelessness by building better lives, better homes and better communities
BCHA’s mission:
To help people take control of their own lives. Wherever people feel vulnerable or don’t know where to turn, we equip them to find a way forward by offering the highest standards of support for housing, health, learning and work
- Gabriel House – supported accommodation services for people with a history of with complex needs and homelessness and rough sleeping.
- Somewhere safe to stay – Exeter supported housing project (former night shelter provision) - people with a history of homelessness and rough sleeping, some support needs
- Housing First – support and outreach services run along the 7 principles of Housing First:
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- People have a right to a home
- Flexible support is provided for as long as is needed
- Housing and support are separated
- Individuals have choice and control
- An active engagement approach is used
- People are supported to identify their strengths, goals and aspirations
- A harm reduction approach is used
- Supported and move on housing in Dartmouth, Kingsbridge and Exeter.
- Temporary housing service in mid Devon
- Co-production work with Homeless Link, including peer mentoring for customers living in Housing First
- We deal with a number of people who have experienced or are experiencing drug/alcohol addiction issues.
People are referred to us by agencies (including local authorities, other statutory organisations and voluntary sector organisations)
Agencies can contact Gabriel House for a referral form: gabrielhousesupportteam@bcha.org.uk
Malcom:
"I didn’t expect the help that I got. I thought the council would send me away. Everything was managed so fast and quick.
“Moving into temporary accommodation offered me a more stable environment, however after not living in accommodation for a long extended period of time I found it pretty daunting. The first thing I did was to close the door of my bedroom and cry. I saw the shower, bed and TV. I had a shower and fell asleep.
“At first it was overwhelming as I was not used to sharing as I hadn’t been around people for a while. I can’t hear the sea from my room but I can still hear it in my sleep. It is drilled into your sleep.
“However, having been living in shared accommodation now for several weeks, I’m enjoying the company and I like being able to cook for my housemates and to entertain them with singing - minus guitar.
“It’s nice to have a conversation with someone instead of a bird or a fox.
“I’ve not had proper accommodation in years, but I want to keep it. You have to draw the line and say that’s enough.
“My hope for the future is to find a self-contained flat or bedsit and a job. I want to build on new friendships and carry on being a people person. I’m also putting music first again."
Rachel:
“I wake up glad to be alive, excited to go to work and thankful for what has been done for me by BCHA. My son and I are now in a council property. I am off all my medication and I am paying my bills – giving back what I have received. But there are thousands of people out there who are stuck, unable to thrive and contribute because they cannot access affordable housing. The government needs to act fast.”
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