New service to help Nottinghamshire's homeless launched by YMCA and Mansfield and Ashfield councils

A partnership between Nottinghamshire YMCA, Ashfield District Council and Mansfield District Council has launched a new service designed to provide intensive support to homeless individuals across the region.
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Set up in March, the project features 40 beds in the Mansfield and Ashfield areas and has so far received 108 referrals from both local authorities to help individuals who may have fallen through the gaps between services.

The Multiple Complex Needs (MCN) service also benefits from having a trained informed trauma support counsellor whose role is to deliver tailored support for YMCA residents and help staff to work more effectively with people who have experienced complex trauma.

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

The scheme has been launched by Nottinghamshire YMCA in partnership with Mansfield and Ashfield District CouncilsThe scheme has been launched by Nottinghamshire YMCA in partnership with Mansfield and Ashfield District Councils
The scheme has been launched by Nottinghamshire YMCA in partnership with Mansfield and Ashfield District Councils

"Our project provides intensive one-to-one interventions to support individuals whilst simultaneously working with a network of local service providers.”

The most common age of referrals are homeless people aged between 25-35 years old at 38 per cent.

The least common bracket are those under 25 years-old.

Coun Marion Bradshaw, portfolio holder for housing at Mansfield District Council, said: “This potentially life- changing scheme has provided 20 much-needed beds in shared housing for some of Mansfield’s most vulnerable rough sleepers.

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“It doesn’t just provide a roof over their heads but a dedicated support worker to help address their complex needs and help them move towards living independently.”

Resident activities have so far included wellbeing walks at Titchfield Park in Mansfield, to meals out and bonding over coffee and cakes.

Dawn Jennings, YMCA multiple complex needs link worker, said: ”Our residents really enjoyed our group outings and can’t wait to do something similar again.

"The experience reinforced to me how much we take eating out for granted and how extra special it was for our residents as they navigate life after homelessness.”

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