Work with homeless drugs users wins national award for Outstanding Achievement in Housing » Housing » 24dash.com

ECHG secured a double victory at the national UK Housing Awards for its work with homeless drugs users when it won both the award for Excellence in Meeting the Needs of Vulnerable People, as well as the overall award for Outstanding Achievement in Housing in England.

Rachael Byrne, ECHGs Director of Supported Housing Services, was overwhelmed: To win the overall Outstanding Achievement Award is a true recognition of the importance of finding innovative ways of working with very excluded groups like drugs users.

ECHG works with thousands of homeless people each year and we know the benefits not just to them, but also to their local communities of developing services that help them off the streets, into recovery and then to move on positively with their lives.

It means less demand on health services, less anti-social behaviour, greater family cohesion and this benefits the whole community.

ECHGs nominated housing project - King Georges in Westminster - works with homeless men who have lived on the streets and experienced many years of drugs, alcohol and mental health problems.

In 2007, the 68-bed hostel undertook a groundbreaking transformation as a direct response to the increasing numbers of chaotic, long-term drug users accessing its services.

ECHGs Support Manager at King Georges, Stephen Davies, said: Previously, residents had been designated into clusters with a general support focus. However, over the last couple of years people with chronic drugs issues have become the norm. Many have come to ECHG having experienced a revolving door of service provision that never properly tackled their substance misuse.

At King Georges ECHG developed an innovative Gateway Programme which now offers a six week induction programme for drugs users, followed by a designated pathway through the project, allowing them to progress to greater independence and be clear of drugs. We have benefitted greatly from the support and partnership both with Westminster Council and the Hungerford Drugs Project.

King Georges Gateway Programme was the Winner in the Meeting the Needs of Vulnerable People category of the UK Housing Awards. This win follows on the heals of another ECHG win in 2006 and winning a place as Finalists in 2007.

The UK Housing Awards are delivered by Chartered Institute of Housing and Inside Housing, with ECHGs award categories sponsored by the Department for Communities and Local Government.
 

ECHG was announced as Double Winners in a national ceremony at the Hilton Hotel in London on 6 November.