16 September 2022

“P3 staff are very supportive.”

“Thank you so much for all your help and support.”

“I don’t know what I’d have done without Karen’s help and support.”

“P3 staff are all amazing!”

“I wish we could have the groups every day.”

“I am so grateful for the help that I have been given. Everyone has been so helpful and I really enjoy all the Group Sessions.”

“You have gone over and above the call of duty to support me.”

We’ve been operating as an Outreach Team since December 2019 – yes, right before Covid. And we’ve just been awarded a contract for another three years, thanks to the fantastic work my team did throughout the pandemic when it began shortly after we did.

It’s no mean feat, as we have a huge geographical area to cover. This is especially the case in the High Peak region. It’s beautiful but also vast. Colleagues have to search over rolling hills, quarries and reservoirs, plus roads that are often inaccessible in the winter. It’s very hard, but so, so important, and I’m incredibly proud of my team.

Our full DOT team consists of Outreach Workers, Homeless Prevention Navigators, Supported Lettings Workers and a Prison Navigator. The Outreach colleagues will search for, find and build relationships with people who are rough sleeping and support them into accommodation. Our Homeless Prevention Navigators and Supported Lettings Workers then work alongside people to support them in maintaining their accommodation and preventing them from returning to being street homeless. Our Prison Navigator works closely with the probation service and prisons to reduce the number of people being released from prison while homeless. They support people when they are released, getting them into accommodation and providing that vital link between all the agencies involved.

We also have a separate Housing Links service which is funded by Amber Valley Borough Council with ten places. This supports people who have complex needs and a history of homelessness to remain in their accommodation.

I am so proud of our fantastic team. Everyone really goes above and beyond to help people we work alongside and each other!

Kerry Dungavel

Service Manager

Our team of four Homeless Prevention Coaches and a Senior Support Worker provide link working, advocacy and tenancy-related support to people who have been served notice, recently entered local authority temporary accommodation or who are currently homeless.

The people we work alongside have multiple, complex needs and have, in the main, been excluded from all other services. This, as well as mental health issues, has contributed to their homelessness.

But our hardworking and dedicated team provide holistic, person-led, tailored support to those who are referred to us directly from local authorities. From the initial Homelessness Prevention Plan to (we hope) their own forever homes, we work alongside each person until they feel confident and settled enough to take their first steps without us.

It’s a truly amazing service and we are all so proud of it.

Ann-Marie Humphries

Service Manager, Derbyshire

Picture: South Derbyshire Homeless Prevention Coaches Sabrina Lowbridge, Mitch Duggins and Joe Pearce (Senior), DILs Support Workers Judith Watkins and Helen Ainsworth, volunteer Kelly Cyples, Elaine Coleman and Hannah Tagg, our Mental Health Peer Recovery Coaches and Rosie Matthews, P3 Shaping People, Swadlincote Hub.

Our teams in both the north and south of the county (we don’t cover Derby City) are experienced, dedicated and committed. We provide tenancy-based support via one-to-one visits in people’s homes, drop-in sessions at our Navigators and also safe places to live in the community.

We work alongside people to build confidence and their ability to sustain tenancies in areas such as budgeting, living skills, developing local networks and accessing specialist services. We also encourage people to come along and socialise at our groups, such as Talking Together, Let’s Celebrate You, Stressbusters and a walking club. We also take trips out to places of interest. In these ways, we encourage people to develop their confidence and self-esteem, escape social isolation and make supportive friendships.

Ann-Marie Humphries

Service Manager, Derbyshire