| Contact Us | Donate | Login | Register |
| Home | About | Directory | Grants | Training | News & Events | Publications |
|
|
||||||
|
 |
News & EventsThe Escape Plan Report Published.
The Escape Plan is a piece of research conducted by people who have experienced homelessness and is for currently homeless people to help identify the critical success factors that have enabled people to move on from homelessness.
In addition to the 25 formerly homeless people, Escapees, who participated in the research we asked them to identify up to two Significant Others, people who had an insight into their journey out of homelessness.
Of course we did not uncover a single magic formula for escaping from homelessness, every individual had their own unique story. However, we were able to identify seven key themes which, if addressed, we believe will significantly support people on their journey out of homelessness.
1 Being involved in a group activity
Participating in activities like training, volunteering and group work groups gave people an opportunity to begin to look out, engage with things that were beyond the day-to-day existence that the homeless experience can be, helped increase self worth, develop confidence, find structure, escape boredom and gain a sense of belonging. 2 Changing your attitude towards yourself and others
Positive turning points were very often related to a significant change in the way an individual felt about and related to themselves and others. Escapees talked about overcoming pride in asking for help, learning to trust people, being honest with themselves and with others - especially with workers, forgiving themselves and fostering hope. Importantly, people talked about starting to take responsibility for making positive things. 3 Hitting rock bottom
It was common for Escapees to talk about getting to a place where they could not continue from in the way that they had. Some specifically talked about this point as rock bottom , a moment, an epiphany, a realisation that things had become out of control and they broke down and looked for a way out. Ten participants reported hitting rock bottom as being one of their significant turning points. 4 Workers and Services
Many people felt that a good worker had made a big difference to them. Participants identified characteristics of a good worker and service as one that will go the extra mile, stick with people, utilise their personal experience, challenge, encourage, believe in, value and care. 5 Peer perspectives and client involvement
Having the perspective of peers was a critical factor in people escaping homelessness. Both through formal channels such as peer mentor schemes or more informally from people they knew on the streets or in hostels. Many participants said that participating in client involvement initiatives was important, both as a means of developing oneself but also to fulfil a sense of duty to give back. 6 Recognising the importance of social networks, friends and family
For many the support of friends and/or family was vital. 7 Coming to terms with the homeless experience
Some Escapees saw their homeless experience as an entirely negative one. However, other participants expressed positive memories of their homeless experience, particularly when recalling the unique camaraderie of street life. The idea of recognising some skills, such as an increased resourcefulness gained through homelessness came through strongly, with a case for building on these as a starting point for moving on. What seemed key to people coming to terms with their experience of homelessness was the ability to reflect back and consider what was lost, but also what may have been gained through their experiences. This reflection appeared vital in helping people gain the resolve to rebuild their lives. Attached is the full report, and also the booklet The Escape Plan, which presents the findings by posing a series of questions, prompting people experiencing homelessness to develop their own paths out of homelessness.
As the Escape Plan notebook states, We know that we do not have all the answers, but we think we have uncovered the right questions. A limited number of printed copies of the Notebook remain, if you would like one please contact the Groundswell office on 020 7976 0111 or info@groundswell.org.uk
|
|
