Specialist services
We have a number of additional ‘Specialist Services’ where we have recognised a particular need or worked with local authorities to provide a specialist service.
Cardiff Reconnection Service is a service that has been developed in partnership with Cardiff Council. The Reconnection Team tries to find alternative accommodation options for people that the local authority does not have a duty to accommodate.
The service supports people who don’t have a local connection to the area, who are rough sleeping or are at risk of rough sleeping. They are helped to return to an area where they have accommodation, support networks or some other connection. The service also works closely with the private rented sector finding long term sustainable housing for people in need.
The First Response Outreach Service is a partnership-based service, that came together during the Covid19 pandemic. The service is formed of a collective partnership between Cardiff Council, The Salvation Army and The Wallich (another third sector organisation). Each service operates at a different part of the day and night, ensuring that rough sleepers have a range opportunities to access effective and specialist support, to help them out of street homelessness.
Previously this service operated for over twenty years as The Salvation Army Bus Project, offering the same assertive support from a large purple double decker bus. During the pandemic the service transformed to ensure those most in need could seek support during some of the most unprecedented times.
This project is a crisis intervention service that aims to both prevent and alleviate rough sleeping. The Staff conduct early morning street walks to identify rough sleepers and offer them support to access accommodation and find positive things to do during the day. The service also provides a drop-in service to offer information, advice and guidance for people in housing need. The service will take referrals from any route and will give local people advice over the phone.
In addition, twice a week the service also links to a fitness and boxing classes at a local gym to enhance health and emotional wellbeing.
Thorndale Parenting Services are based in Belfast and consists of three elements: a residential Parenting Assessment service, a day access Intervention and Assessment service and a New Early Intervention and Family Support Service, developed in partnership with Belfast HSC Trust.
Parents and children are referred to the residential facility by Social Services where there are child protection concerns. Parents and children can continue to access ongoing support from the Day Service after they move out. Families referred to the Day Service attend for targeted intervention and focused areas for assessment. Some families may progress into the residential service if necessary.
In England we work closely with one local authority to offer wrap-around support for a number of families fleeing conflict as part of various government schemes such the ARAP and UKRS schemes along with ‘Homes for Ukraine’. A team of specialist support workers help the families to settle into accommodation in the community and access important services such as the school, doctor, job centre and English language provision.
In Scotland we provide support for 150 displaced persons who have fled Ukraine due to war in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment. The Service offers accommodation to single people and works in partnership with the Council’s Resettlement Team to ensure that a full wrap around support. Housing needs are addressed, looking at permanent housing options, relocation and the possible chance of returning home where this is identified. The Service enhances community involvement and employment opportunities.
Gloucester House is a residential substance misuse service which has been operating for over 50 years.
We offer a 12 Step integrated programme, consisting of two 12-week stages; an intensive initial stage followed by a lower intensive stage; either or both can be accessed. Our programmes are designed to help people to develop a new sense of self, free from addiction
Our programme includes:
- Occupational Support
- Group Therapy
- Life Skills
- Spiritual Support
- Additional Support
Some of our Lifehouses offer social enterprise opportunities to people to gain skills and be involved in running a small business.
The Salvation Army’s Social Enterprises in Swindon Booth House
The Sandwich People is a buffet delivery service that gives food handling training opportunities to the people who live in the Lifehouse.
Recycles is a bicycle centre where people can learn professional skills to repair and maintain bicycles as well as gain customer service skills by working in the bicycle centre.
You can find out about The Salvation Army’s Social Enterprises in Swindon by contacting Booth House on 01793 401830.
Southampton
H20 Southampton is a café open to the public, serving hot and cold drinks alongside light bites, where volunteers with lived experience can gain skills and qualifications in catering.