Homelessness Awareness - James' Story

"When you're homeless your mind begs for some ease. Your body is sore and cold, and you feel you've lost not only the people around you, but also a part of yourself."
James initially emailed Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and asked for help. They contacted him to arrange a face-to-face meeting to find out more about his circumstances. James had been through a family breakdown. He had poor physical health and was experiencing anxiety and depression. It was identified that he would be suitable to be part of the Multi-Agency Support Hub as his needs were complex. The Northern Ireland Housing Executive then got him in for a full housing and homeless assessment. They assessed him and during the interview it was apparent he was very anxious. The housing advisor explained areas of choice, housing prospects, and gave him a good outline of what to expect moving forward. Council then did a referral through to Community Advice Antrim and Newtownabbey to look at benefit entitlement. As a Multi-Agency Support Hub, they identified that helping him with his mental wellbeing would be crucial and this would help to strengthen his chances of success in a new property. They identified trauma informed counselling as a key need. Through the Policing and Community Safety Partnership they were able to source funding, allowing them to provide counselling sessions for James. As a result the applicant has been permanently rehoused and is in a property in his area of choice. The Patch Manager has linked in with him at an early tenancy visit and it is apparent that he is doing a lot better in his new property.
James - "The agencies were absolutely amazing. I can truly say that if it wasn't for the agencies I wouldn't be in the place I am now."
Statutory agencies working collaboratively to make a positive change to people's lives. #TimeForChange