An initiative launched earlier this year to support homeless people to overcome complex challenges is making progress.

In partnership with Ashfield and Mansfield district councils, Nottinghamshire YMCA’s latest Multiple Complex Needs service is designed to provide intensive support to homeless people.

Launched in March, the project features 40 beds in Mansfield and Ashfield and has so far received more than 100 referrals from both local authorities for individuals who may have fallen through the gaps between services.

Sandra Young, housing development manager for Nottinghamshire YMCA provisions in Mansfield, said: “Working with people with complex life challenges poses a number of requirements and we are committed to ensuring that our services are responsive to their needs.

“We understand how people with multiple and complex needs may experience several overlapping problems at the same time, such as mental ill health, homelessness, drug and alcohol addiction, offending and family breakdown.

“Our project provides intensive one-to-one interventions to support individuals whilst simultaneously working with a network of local service providers.”
The project also benefits from having a trained informed trauma support counsellor.

Out of the 108 referrals received in the project’s first quarter, only 12% were female and 88% were males. The most common age of referrals are homeless people aged between 25 and 35.

Resident activities have so far included everything from wellbeing walks at Titchfield Park, Mansfield, to meals out and bonding over coffee and cakes at a local Costa.

YMCA multiple complex needs link worker Dawn Jennings added: “We had a real laugh on the exercise equipment in the park. The trip also reinforced to me how much we take eating out for granted and how extra special it was for our residents.”