Across Crisis, people are doing amazing things to support our members, volunteers and staff, and to play their part in supporting efforts across the sector to safeguard people facing homelessness from the coronavirus.

Our staff are also continuing to be an inspiration, with their resolve to support homeless people, and adapt how they work in order they do this. Across all Crisis locations we are now supporting 3000 people remotely.

The following are just a few examples of how staff across the Skylight regions have been supporting members this week:

Edinburgh

The Learning Team have been creating YouTube videos to support members to continue music tuition. Another member of the team has been setting tasks by email, text and phone to members around creative writing and woodland walks, and there is already feedback about how these walks are benefiting their wellbeing.

Coventry

In Coventry a members WhatsApp group has been created where members can share their creative work and get some of the positive affirmations that they get in our feedback and support sessions.

The team there have also started working with other local arts organisations (Underground lights, City of Culture, Grapevine, Belgrade Theater, Artyfolks) to make and distribute creative packs more widely, with the aim of distributing 2000 of these to vulnerable people across Coventry, Bedworth and Nuneaton and Leamington.

London

Traditionally London Skylight Coaches work with a caseload of approximately 40 members whilst Learning and Arts Tutors act as a lead worker for a smaller number of approximately five members (in addition to delivering classes for up to 15 members). Since the coronavirus outbreak, this has changed. Tutors are now acting as lead workers for a much higher number of individuals, approximately 25.

This number has increased to ensure all active members are assigned a lead worker instead of the usual process of members having to access services at least three time before a lead worker is assigned.

Tutors are now undertaking welfare checks daily. These calls are an opportunity to check in with members, talk through the changes to Crisis services, support with Universal Credit queries and discuss government advice and restrictions. Tutors are also working with members to ensure that all relevant authorities and medical professionals are aware if any members are at health risk.

Article date: 09.04.20