Housing First is a proven, innovative and highly effective approach to supporting people with complex needs. But for those in frontline roles, Housing First also presents unique and often challenging realities.
Balancing client autonomy with high levels of risk, managing blurred professional boundaries, and staying true to the model’s core principles - often within traditional systems resistant to change - all are frequent challenges for Housing First staff. Yet many workers are expected to navigate these without the tools, space for reflection, or peer support they need.
This four-part workshop series is designed to support frontline Housing First workers in building the skills, confidence and peer networks to navigate these unique and complex challenges.
Across four interactive sessions, you will explore each of the seven Housing First principles, reflect on frontline experiences, and leave with a toolbox of practical skills and advice that will help you to navigate day-to-day work with confidence and a renewed commitment to the ethos of Housing First.
By attending the sessions, you will gain a network of peers to lean on and learn from, long after the series has finished, as well as ‘top-tips’ takeaway slides from each session.
Who is this learning network for?
Frontline workers delivering Housing First services.
What will you learn?
Delegates are expected to attend all four sessions:
1) Housing without conditions: understanding and applying the first principle
21 October | 9.30am-12.30pm | Online
The first workshop in the series will focus on the first core principle: people have a right to a home. The session will explore what this principle means in practice and will provide a space for participants to discuss common challenges in relation to this principle.
Participants will reflect on the challenges and opportunities of offering housing without requiring sobriety, treatment compliance, or ‘readiness.’ Through group discussion, staff will explore and share the impact of this principle on client engagement, outcomes, and day-to-day work, as well as reaffirming the importance of housing as a foundation for support.
Key takeaways:
- Clear understanding of what ‘no preconditions’ means in context.
- Shared learning and reflection on frontline experiences.
- Strategies for applying this principle with consistency and compassion.
2) Choice and support: deepening our understanding of client autonomy in Housing First
18 November | 9.30am-12.30pm | Online
The second workshop will be on the second, third and fourth principles of the Housing First model – flexibility of support, separation of housing and support, and autonomy of the individual. This workshop will look at how we as frontline practitioners balance professional guidance and boundaries with client autonomy.
Participants will have a space to reflect on how they manage risk, boundaries and accountability, all while maintaining client agency and fidelity to the principles.
Key takeaways:
- A deeper understanding of the role of choice and autonomy in the support of clients.
- Learn best practice from others in terms of flexible support planning and strategies to manage risk.
- Renewed clarity on how to embed person-centred recovery principles whilst maintaining professional boundaries.
3) Sustaining housing and strengthening systems
16 December | 9.30am-12.30pm | Online
The third workshop in the series will focus on the last three principles of the Housing First model – active engagement, strengths-based support and harm reduction.
In this reflective space, we will explore how to deliver support in line with these principles and the tensions between individual autonomy and system demands.
We will also explore how the Housing First principles challenge the traditional system of short-term approaches and punitive support, reflecting on the benefits of the strengths based, harm reduction approach.
Key takeaways:
- A strengthened commitment to person-centred support.
- A deeper and more practical understanding of what active engagement means in frontline work.
- An understanding of how Housing First contributes to systems change and the challenges brought about in the process.
4) Bringing it all together: reflecting on Housing First practice
13 January | 9.30am-12.30pm | Online
This final session will offer a dedicated space for reflection, connection, and consolidation. Staff will revisit the seven principles explored throughout the series, considering how understanding and practice has evolved – and how these core values are showing up in daily work.
Together, we will also look forward – focusing on team resilience, ongoing learning, and maintaining fidelity to the Housing First model in an ever changing and pressurised environment.
Key takeaways:
- Reflect on lessons learned through the series and identify best practice to take forward.
- Consolidate peer support network.
Bookings
To book, please email Lana.Newby@homelesslink.org.uk
Your booking will be invoiced.
The programme is sold as a full programme of all four sessions. Sessions are not recorded. Slides will be sent electronically.
Cancellation policy
Please note details of the cancellation policy for this training programme here
This learning series for Homeless Link members costs £195 per person (this includes all four sessions). The price for non-members is £235 per person.
Bookings for this programme are via email. Please email Lana.Newby@homelesslink.org.uk You will be invoiced for your booking.
