Council takes award for homeless initiative

Published by Max Salsbury for 24dash.com in Communities and also in Housing, Local Government

Westminster City Council (WCC) has won a commendation for an initiative aimed at helping homeless people.

WCC's 'Back on Your Feet' pilot project is a radical therapy that helps rough sleepers and those struggling with drugs to set life-rebuilding targets through positive and affirming actions.

The project was recognised at the Andy Ludlow Homelessness Awards, which were being held in the House of Commons last Thursday.

First used at King George’s Hostel, Westminster the project involves Appreciative Inquiry (AI) techniques which include holding positive conversations, art activities, and keeping a diary of things they are proud of in a bid to improve self-esteem, motivation, and aspirations.

Appreciating People, a consultancy who worked with the council to introduce the therapy techniques, has helped to roll the scheme out to several other hostels in the area.

One resident, Ian McLaren, had been sleeping rough and drifting from town to town before he came to the hostel where AI is now helping him deal with his drug use. Ian said: “I didn’t have any focus on where my life was going but I liked being involved in Appreciating People.

“It’s not about sitting around in a group listening to everybody’s problems, it’s about being aware of your own patterns of behaviour - it’s about setting your own goals. It’s about self-awareness really.

“My own goals now are to live a drug-free lifestyle and to make contact with my family.”

Cllr Rachael Robathan, Westminster City Council Cabinet Member for Adults, said: “It is great news that the ‘Back on Your Feet’ scheme piloted by Westminster City Council has gained such support and recognition.

“The aim of the project is to enable people to get back into housing and regular work and rebuild their lives using positive techniques.

“After the success of the project at King George’s Hostel, we have now rolled it out across other hostel in Westminster with the hope of seeing even more positive results.”