Support for people experiencing issues across homelessness, mental health, substance misuse and offending
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Healthwatch York undertook a survey for the York Multiple Complex Needs (MCN) Network looking at support for people experiencing issues across homelessness, mental health, substance misuse and offending in York, focused on the experiences of those supported through the MEAM (Making Every Adult Matter) approach. This is delivered in York by Changing Lives. They undertook a short survey to which 17 people responded.
Housing is vital, people want to feel safe in their own home as quickly as possible and make it homely. Hostels, including bail hostels, are not a great environment for many people.
People report poor access to mental health services, and want a walk-in centre for other health issues. Lack of social activities and meaningful ways to fill time; fears of boredom; links with difficulties staying clean / sober.
People felt it was important to have holistic and joined up 1-2-1 support and positive relationships with support workers and getting help with managing day to day life. They often felt judged and never being able to leave their label behind. They felt it was important for them to have access to IT, but some struggled to use it.
Transitions are difficult, and people often lose support that they value at times of transition because it is tied to a particular state, such as homelessness. People mostly value the support they receive