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.

Since the outbreak of the virus, we have had to significantly adapt our services. As we adjust to new ways of working, our frontline staff have shown the same care and compassion in supporting members who may be feeling very isolated and lonely.

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

Edinburgh

In Edinburgh, the team are making upwards of 50 connections a day with people experiencing homelessness, and have been adapting their learning offer to be able to work remotely, with online music lessons, pre-designed walking routes for people for their daily exercise and creative writing exercises.

Since the increase in Local Housing Allowance, over 400 properties are now affordable and the team are supporting members to be able to access these and move into more settled and secure accommodation.

Coventry

In Coventry, they have been sending out art packs to members and also those in temporary accommodation. Guitar lessons have also been happening online, with the team even sending out guitars to members where needed so they can join in.

Landlords have also been approaching Crisis to say that want to help house people permanently, rather than just in a temporary way, which is a critical element to supporting members out of their homelessness for good.

London

The London Skylight is still open, with staff working on rotation (and a limited number in each day) and a triaged reception area to uphold government guidance and safeguard the wellbeing of members and staff.

The team there are meeting lots of new rough sleepers and helping them with accessing the provision they need, as well as supporting over 900 people remotely.

If you’d like to find out any more information about our services, please get in touch at philanthropy@crisis.org.uk

Article date: 24.04.20