Involving clients in the wider community

There are many opportunities for clients to become involved in the wider community. This can include participating in community groups such as sports, art, community centres, gardening groups, clubs as well as setting up their own groups such as cinema club, walking or reading groups. There is also the opportunity for clients to develop their decision making powers by becoming involved in local tenancy groups, committees or boards that may have a specific interest to them.

Participation in the community and getting involved in WIDER POLICY issues

Client involvement can get some people fired up about politics, which is fantastic as the government is currently seeking ways to improve how people engage with local politics. Remember client involvement stems from a wider political drive to increase civic participation and get people empowered, stimulated and participating in their own communities.  Homeless people are often be marginalised from thier communities and can struggle to get thier voices heard on issues that are important to them. Encourage clients to think broadly about how to get involved. This can mean different things for different people from joining a local sports club to becoming a tenant representative.

Ways to get involved:

• Public consultations - have your say on policy  issues

  “Giving someone the opportunity to give something back is the most powerful thing you can do to support people on their journey out of homelessness.” Simone from Groundswell
   

• The London Civic Forum – for London baselocal speak outs
• The Tenants Service Authority wants to engage clients and is looking at ways to empower local residents.
• Groundswell is the UK’s leading client involvement and self-help organisation working in the field of homelessness. They offer training, resources and consultancy in client involvement.
• Revolving Doors Agency facilitates a National Service User Forum for people who have been in contact with the criminal justice system and have personal experience of homelessness, mental health and drug or alcohol issues.
• The National Treatment Agency recognises that individuals receiving treatment need to be involved in how treatment is delivered so hold national and regional client forums.
• Encourage client to be active citizens, how about starting with registering to vote, view our webpage for more details on supporting clients register to vote.
• A guide to writing effective consultation
• Client involvement resource – start your own community group

What next for clients?

When clients become involved at any level this can also be an excellent opportunity for people to become involved in education, volunteering and employment. So make sure that client involvement works hand in hand with learning and employment teams. Ensure clients can reach their potential by having access to impartial advice about what opportunities are available to develop in which ever direction they want. Please vist our webpages on education, training and employment, also see our handbooks for more information.

Clients becoming employed within the sector

Employment can be the key to individuals gaining independence. It is not uncommon for clients who have received support to want to give something back and support others in similar circumstances. Clients’ expertise and real life experiences of homelessness are invaluable to services and clients. ThamesReach has a project called GROW (Giving Real Opportunities for Work), which employs people who have experienced homelessness.