Our approach

As part of our commitment to supporting people experiencing homelessness, we deliver a range of homelessness accommodation and support services. Our approach is centred around understanding and addressing the different needs of these individuals.

We operate several schemes, providing emergency, short-term, and move-on accommodation, along with support services in Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Our outreach efforts include both community engagement and support for rough sleepers.

Psychologically Informed Environments

A key aspect of our approach is using Psychologically Informed Environments (PIE) across our services. We recognise the profound impact of mental health issues on people experiencing homelessness.

By adopting PIE, we ensure that our services cater to the emotional and psychological needs of not just those we support, but also our staff. This approach involves continuous review and improvement of our processes, creating local action plans, and providing specialised training in PIE principles to our team members.

We emphasise the importance of independent reflective practice for our staff. This helps our teams to manage complex relationships and work in a more therapeutic and supportive manner.

We also adapt our physical spaces to better align with the PIE approach, enhancing engagement and comfort for our service users. We create a supportive and understanding environment that addresses the comprehensive needs of those facing homelessness.

Housing First

Housing First is a housing and support approach which gives people who have experienced homelessness or repeat history of homelessness or rough sleeping and who have multiple and complex needs, a stable home from which to rebuild their lives.

Testimonials

Hightown resident sitting on a sofa in his new home, with a black leather sofa and purple painted walls.
A man standing in front of a painting of a tree, holding a sign that says 'VoiceBox'
Man smiling, standing against a wall

"The staff at Hightown did something that not many other people have done – they listened. That’s all I needed, someone to hear me."

"The staff have got me back on my feet. It would be nice to get my own little place, to put my stamp on it. Then I can work on the bigger picture of getting back into work."

"I’ve achieved a lot because 15 months ago this was never possible. Being here has changed my life – life is finally getting back to normal."