How we help people Our Values These four words embody how we choose to operate as an independent charity. Achieving our ambition We have developed strategic objectives focused on the four following areas which contribute to achieving our mission. Preventing homelessness We support the provisions within The Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. Whilst it is not our place to hold local government to account, we will strive to ensure everyone to whom a duty is owed under the legislation is provided with the support they are entitled to. Where we can, we will take direct action to prevent anyone becoming homeless. We will utilise our resources to provide support to those at risk of having nowhere safe to stay. We will collaborate with national bodies, who share our values, to campaign and lobby for changes to government policy to address the needs of those who are at risk of homelessness. We recognise that the availability of good quality, affordable housing represents a significant factor in the prevention of homelessness. We will support efforts to increase the number of new houses being built, to bring back unused properties into use and to prioritise local houses for local communities Making homelessness an exception Homelessness is avoidable. However, where people find themselves pushed into homelessness, we will draw on their experience to identify where earlier intervention may have prevented their situation deteriorating. We seek to use data and evidence to inform our decision making and to shape the services we deliver. In the minority of cases, individuals sometimes do not wish to engage with support services, for a variety of reasons. We will strive to make sure that this is an exception. We will keep our door open to everyone so that there is always somewhere and someone to turn to when they are ready. Making the experience of homelessness short We will use our resources to act quickly to end homelessness. Through our outreach and resettlement services, we will engage with people who are experiencing homelessness and secure them accommodation where it is available and work with the relevant agencies to ensure permanent solutions are found and adequate support is provided. We will ensure that people get access to the support which is their basic human right. We will continue to increase the capacity of our own supported accommodation service so that we can respond quickly to provide accommodation whenever it is needed. Supporting people out of homelessness for good Evidence shows for many people experiencing homelessness, personalised support is crucial to avoid returning to homelessness. At St Petrocs, we believe everyone should be treated as an individual and that their unique identity is vital in providing the support that they need. Our experienced staff develop relationships with clients to build support plans with them to meet their needs. We encourage people to take ownership of their options and choices rather than assume to know what is best for them. Our residential services offer accommodation with dedicated support to provide a foundation upon which individuals can stabilise their lives and build towards independent living. Where required, we have specialist skills in supporting people experiencing addiction. “We believe we have a moral responsibility to support people in need. On that basis, we won’t ever close our door.” Steve Ellis, Vice President Manage Cookie Preferences