Homelessness within ex-Armed Forces Personnel - Riverside

Recommendations
Works cited
The recognised shortfall in the provision of
supported accommodation for homeless
ex-Armed Forces Personnel may be overcome if
a number of recommendations are considered.
The findings above highlight the essential
service that specialist schemes can provide to
this unique client group. Clients have distinct
support needs, so having a thorough and clear
understanding of their unique experience of
homelessness is required in order to create
effective and realistic support plans, which can
then lead on to successful outcomes. Through
research and publications Riverside ECHG can
identify and disseminate good practice in
helping ex-Armed Forces Personnel.
A greater geographical spread of supported
accommodation projects aimed specifically at
the ex-Armed Forces client group is required,
with the option of a floating support service
for those clients who are based in more rural
locations. This may reduce the amount of
undetected homeless ex-Armed Forces
Personnel in addition to a reduction in the
number sleeping rough. It is clear that the
North West in particular is in need of this kind
of accommodation. Due to the large national
footprint and its existing buildings and
infrastructure, Riverside ECHG is ideally
placed to deliver these additional support
services and schemes.
A coordinated approach is needed for housing
and support provision to ensure that just one
form is needed from clients to give them access
to all specialist supported accommodation
providers. A large database of client
information is required, which can be accessed
by all providers to see where vacancies are
available and to provide appropriate services
for their client.
The services that Riverside ECHG provides
are unique and essential and it would be
beneficial to have similar schemes near to
garrisons and bases across the UK. In more
rural areas a floating support service could be
provided to ensure that dispersed clients are
not forgotten but are continually aided to
reintegrate into society.
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