Housing First

Westminster 

We are a women-only service, offering holistic, intensive, trauma-informed support in line with Housing First principles. Support is separate to the offer of housing. Housing in Westminster Housing First is provided via a partnership with housing associations who typically offer 1 bedroom flats dispersed across London, service users can submit preferences for location/floor level etc according to their needs. Tenancies are assured shorthold tenancies and are usually offered for a probationary period of 1 year, then can be transferred to long-term or permanent tenancies.

Housing First Project workers support service users in accessing furniture, setting up bills and rent payments, maximising income, accessing local services and re-integrating with the community. As we are VAWG professionals, we also offer services similar to IDVA services such as referrals for orders, sanctuary schemes, risk assessments and safety planning etc. Keyworkers visit at least once a week and have a small caseload so can offer fairly flexible support, however, all flats are general needs so not suitable to anyone who would not be able to cope in independent accommodation.

To find out more about the success of this service you can read our ‘A year in the life of Westminster VAWG Housing First’ report.

Referral criteria: affected by VAWG, homelessness/vulnerably housed, and experience of multiple disadvantage, including being affected by substance misuse, physical or mental health issues, contact with criminal justice system and having children removed from care.

Due to the long-term nature of the support that we offer, vacancies come up infrequently so please check capacity before submitting a referral.

Islington

We offer holistic, intensive, trauma-informed support to women experiencing multiple disadvantage, VAWG and (street) homelessness. We only provide services to women; and support with improving safety, accessing long-term secure accommodation,  access to legal services, finances and welfare benefits, emotional support, and practical support in accessing drug and alcohol services, mental and physical health services and re-integrating into the community. 

Referral criteria is that women must have an experience of VAWG and multiple disadvantage, including having unstable or unsafe accommodation.

Due to the long-term nature of the support that we offer, vacancies come up infrequently so please check capacity before submitting a referral.