CARE SHELTER ANNUAL REPORT 2018-2019
Registered Scottish Charity No. SC003783
Bethany Christian Trust Registered Scottish Charity No. SC003783
65 Bonnington Road Edinburgh EH6 5JQ
0131 561 8930
The quotes found throughout the report were said by people staying at the Care Shelter. All images are used with consent.
2 “You are the only ones who have ever looked out for me.”
CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 4
OPERATIONAL BACKGROUND 1. Introduction 8 2. Aim 8 3. Operational context 9 4. Church and volunteer overview 12 5. Staffing 15 6. Nightly timetable 16 7. Finance 17
IMPACT 8. Partnership working 20 9. Feedback and qualitative updates 24
STATISTICS 10. Attendance 28 11. Monitoring forms and analysis 33
CONCLUSION 45
APPENDIX Care Shelter posters 1-4 48
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The 2018-2019 winter season was the busiest ever in the Care Shelter’s 23 year history. A move to a fixed venue, instead of rotating around church halls, allowed for many improvements to the service such as beds and shower facilities. We are grateful to Gorgie Dalry Stenhouse Church for their inspired decision to provide a home for the Care Shelter, so that we can continue to show love and care to people who are roofless in Edinburgh.
Operational context See page 9 The Care Shelter was open every night of the week from 23 September 2018 to 5 May 2019; 32 weeks in total. The Care Shelter had capacity for 60 people until 1 January when this was increased to 75 people per night. The season started in the usual manner, rotating around different church halls and then the Care Shelter moved to Diadem on 21 December. Over 104,000 bed spaces have been provided at the Care Shelter across the 23 winters it has been open. The Bethany Banquets were a new venture last summer to bridge the gap between the Care Shelter closing in the spring and reopening in the autumn. The five roast dinner and live music events saw on average 27 people attend and reached 99 individuals across the summer.
Church and volunteer overview See page 12 Involved this season were 13 church venues and over 1,000 volunteers from 69 different catering teams. Diadem was a wonderful venue for 19 weeks of the season, providing consistency for the guests and a larger capacity as well as beds and shower facilities. Catering teams faithfully provided the meals each night, sometimes being required to cook for 80+ guests. The Care Shelter relies heavily on volunteers and church support and couldn’t function without their dedication, commitment, financial contributions and prayers. Thank you!
Staffing See page 15 The staff team consisted of three Team Leaders, six Nightshift Project Workers and three Twilight Shift Project Workers. Changes in management meant that a Team Leader was promoted to a Senior Team Leader role and an Administrator post was created part-way through the season.
Finance See page 17 The total expenditure up until financial year end in March 2019 was £261,433 and the total restricted income was £257,836 showing a difference of -£3,597.
Partnership working See page 20 This winter, 12 different partners visited the Care Shelter, some regularly and some as one- off visits. Advice, support and signposting were provided around medical care, housing options, employment, volunteering and homelessness. Visiting partner organisations are keen to work more closely together to better support individuals at the Care Shelter. It is hoped that City of Edinburgh Council may find the resources to provide Housing Officers at the Care Shelter next season.
Feedback and qualitative updates “Thanks so much for taking the time to care for me. No one has ever cared for me this much. You guys make me feel so welcome.” For more comments passed on to staff across the course of the season and for some snapshot stories from the Care Shelter, see pages 24-25. Tam’s story, page 26 Rowena’s story, page 32 Louisa’s story, page 44
4 “I’m glad the Shelter is open as I would be sleeping on the streets.”
Attendance See page 28 Attendance at the Care Shelter is analysed in section 10 in terms of number of nightly presentations and additionally the number of unique individuals who stayed at the Care Shelter over the winter. This was the busiest season the Care Shelter had seen since it began in 1996. An average of 59 people attended each night which resulted in 13,267 presentations (up from an average of 43 and total presentations of 8,330 in the 2017-2018 season). 746 individuals accessed the Care Shelter during the 2018-2019 season. The average length of stay at the Care Shelter was 17.5 nights, up from 11.3 in 2017- 2018. Unfortunately people are staying longer at the Care Shelter which reflects that it is harder to move on to more suitable accommodation. 34% of people stayed only one night at the Care Shelter across the winter, and 65% stayed for seven nights or less. Only 2% of the total number of attendees across the last three seasons stayed at the Care Shelter in all three seasons. 77% of individuals who stayed this winter had not attended the Care Shelter in the preceding two seasons.
Monitoring forms and analysis See page 33 Gender: 18% female, 81% male. Women on average stayed nine nights longer this season than they did in 2017-2018. Age: The mean age was 39 with the youngest being 17 and the oldest 83. Nationalities: 69% British, 28% rest of Europe, 3% rest of the world. Reason for homelessness: Relationship breakdown was again the main reason identified for homelessness, often coupled with another expressed reason. Eviction, not having a local connection and mental health were the next most common reasons. Length of time homeless: The largest proportion of those using the service had been homeless for less than a week when they first presented. Most recent accommodation: 36% of people reported sleeping rough the previous night. 47 people this winter said they had most recently been in prison. Guests’ only alternative to Care Shelter that night: 94% said their only other option was sleeping out. Length of time in Edinburgh: 46% of guests had been in Edinburgh for more than five years, 24% had been in the city less than a week. Homeless presentations to the council: 43% of attendees had been directed to the Care Shelter by the council because no suitable accommodation was available for them. This is an increase on the previous season and shows the pressures of a housing shortage. 43% of people attending the Care Shelter for the first time had not yet presented to the council as homeless. How did you hear about the Care Shelter: 25% of respondents said they had heard about the Care Shelter for the first time from City of Edinburgh Council (CEC). No recourse to public funds (NRPF): 47% of non-UK nationals that answered the question said they did not have recourse to public funds. This is a complex issue and a term that many people do not understand.
Conclusions See page 46 1. This was the busiest season ever for the Care Shelter with presentations 159% higher than the previous season. 746 individuals were welcomed in, with an average of 59 people attending per night. It is evident that rough sleeping is becoming more prevalent in Edinburgh and that the system to help people who are homeless is not able to cope with the demand on its services. 2. The Care Shelter should not be a first response to homelessness: The Care Shelter exists as a safety net—it is the last option for people when all other avenues have failed. It should not be seen as a first response to homelessness or be a means to satisfy a legal duty of care. The number of people that CEC signposts to the Care Shelter is very high and much as we have been able to shelter people in these circumstances, it is an indication that the system is not working.
“I had the best sleep I’ve had in weeks, talking to staff has been more 5 helpful than talking to psychiatrists, this is better than a hotel.”
3. There is a gap in service provision for people with NRPF: Eastern Europeans stayed for an average of 42 nights at the Care Shelter this winter, compared to UK nationals who averaged 9 nights. A large part of the Care Shelter service is helping people to move on to more suitable accommodation but this is much more difficult with people with NRPF as they have very limited options. The Care Shelter should not be regarded as a long-term housing solution for people with NRPF.
Recommendations for 2019-2020 1. The Care Shelter should be located at Diadem for the full 32 weeks of operation. This is a great venue for the Care Shelter, now with beds and purpose built shower facilities. A planning application is currently lodged with City of Edinburgh Council requesting permanent change of use of the building. It is hoped that this will be granted and that the Care Shelter will be able to return to Diadem for as many winters to come as it is needed. 2. Closer working with visiting partner organisations. Build on the current strong links between the agencies that visit the Care Shelter regularly and have a more joined up approach to supporting individuals out of homelessness. This will include increased sharing of information, in line with data sharing legislation, and may include using the new registration system and more regular meetings. 3. Bethany to encourage Housing Officer involvement at the Care Shelter. Tied into the above point regarding visiting partners, it would be extremely helpful to have CEC Housing Officers at the Care Shelter regularly. With access to their online systems they would be able to advise people on their housing status and refer people into accommodation there and then.
“Thank you very much, I don’t know what we would do with you, 6 we would have to sleep on the streets!”
OPERATIONAL BACKGROUND
▪ Introduction ▪ Staffing ▪ Aim ▪ Nightly timetable ▪ Operational context ▪ Finance ▪ Church and volunteer overview
1 INTRODUCTION
The Care Shelter began as a two-week pilot in 1996 and has gradually grown, in line with the need, to now span 32 weeks across the coldest months of the year. We offered the essential provision of a safe place to sleep and a hot meal in partnership with 72 different churches from across Edinburgh and surrounding areas. Individuals who would otherwise be sleeping rough were welcomed into a caring, safe environment where they were treated with dignity and love.
The purpose of this report is to give an account of the work carried out and by considering some of the findings, recognise trends, patterns of use and need within the city. Throughout the operation of the Care Shelter an online monitoring form was used to help us to assess these trends and patterns.
2 AIM
Through showing Christian love in action, the Edinburgh Care Shelter aims to provide a warm, safe and secure overnight place to sleep for those who would otherwise be rough sleeping; to offer hot nutritious meals and beverages; to provide high quality advice, guidance and signposting; and to treat each person with genuine care, respect and dignity. These four service aims are underpinned by an overall objective to provide opportunity of access to a wide range of partner agencies onsite, thereby assisting individuals to gain more appropriate accommodation and improved personal outcomes.
8 “Thank God you are back open!”
3 OPERATIONAL CONTEXT
People who access the Care Shelter have nowhere else to turn. Often they have exhausted other options—friends, family or hostels—or did not have these as alternatives to begin with. As a result, there is a high level of vulnerability and risk associated with many of our guests. This can be seen in the levels of addiction and mental health disorders.
People who use the service are asked to give their name upon entry but even if a false name is offered, they will still be able to gain access. This low level of accountability can help give access to people who have been excluded or feel unable to access other homelessness services. However, there is no stereotype and people from all walks of life make use of the service at a point of crisis in their housing situation.
3.1 Historical provision of beds at the Care Shelter
This table shows the number of beds provided per season based on the average number of people staying per night. The impact of the Care Shelter has been massive over the 23 winters it has been running with over 104,600 bed spaces provided.
Year Duration Average stayed over per night Winter beds provided 1996-1997 2 week pilot 15 210 1997-1998 12 weeks 25 2100 1998-1999 12 weeks 25 2100 1999-2000 12 weeks 25 2100 2000-2001 12 weeks 27 2268 2001-2002 12 weeks 24 2046 2002-2003 12 weeks 25 2150 2003-2004 12 weeks 23 1963 2004-2005 22 weeks 24 3669 2005-2006 22 weeks 23 3341 2006-2007 22 weeks 26 3975 2007-2008 22 weeks 25 3825 2008-2009 22 weeks 28 4312 2009-2010 22 weeks 36 5636 2010-2011 22 weeks 38 5915 2011-2012 20 weeks 28 3920 2012-2013 21 weeks 28 4112 2013-2014 22 weeks 37 5698 2014-2015 24 weeks 36 6048 2015-2016 27 weeks 45 8637 2016-2017 28 weeks 47 9251 2017-2018 28 weeks 42 8260 2018-2019 32 weeks 59 13118 104654
NB numbers estimated for the first four years as no verifiable data available.
“This place feels like family and is a safe place to come to. 9 You know that the staff care about you.”
Average number of people staying each night by year
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
1996-1997
1997-1998
1998-1999
1999-2000
2000-2001
2001-2002
2002-2003
2003-2004
2004-2005
2005-2006
2006-2007
2007-2008
2008-2009
2009-2010
2010-2011
2011-2012
2012-2013
2013-2014
2014-2015
2015-2016
2016-2017
2017-2018 2018-2019
This graph clearly shows the increasing number of people staying at the Care Shelter across the 23 seasons since it began in 1996.
3.2 Capacity and length of season
This winter the Care Shelter opened on 24 September 2018 and operated every night until 5 May 2019. This was a four week increase from the 2017-2018 season (which was 28 weeks in length) and was possible due to an incredibly generous donor who sponsored the extra four weeks. A longer season was recommended in last year’s report to better meet the still high need at the start and end of the Shelter season.
There were 60 bed spaces available from 24 September until 1 January when capacity increased to 75. We are grateful to the Scottish Government whose funding again enabled this further increase in capacity. This provided another Project Worker to be on shift each night and additional management hours. Operating at the higher capacity was also only possible because of the move to Diadem and the space available there. Sadly, the Care Shelter has outgrown many of the church halls in Edinburgh. Despite these increases in capacity, someone was turned away due to the Care Shelter being full on 149 occasions (106 before moving to Diadem). This was the busiest season the Care Shelter has ever seen and the additional bed spaces were needed on many nights. Had the increase to 75 not occurred, someone would have been turned away due to capacity on a further 490 occasions.
3.3 Fixed venue
The Care Shelter has always operated on a rota basis; moving around different church
“Edinburgh is known as the city of Bravehearts, your hearts are not 10 only brave but they are pure. Everyone is so thankful for what you do.”
venues (see appendix). However, it had been in our hearts for some time to find a large venue that could accommodate 75 people per night, so that more people could be brought in from the cold and the Care Shelter could be based in one location, allowing improvements to the service and consistency for those staying there. On 21 December 2018 this desire became a reality when the Care Shelter moved to Diadem on Gorgie Road. The Care Shelter now has raised beds and shower facilities. See section 4.1.
3.4 Registration system
Another exciting development this winter was a new online system for registering guests at the Care Shelter. Previously, Google Forms had been used for this task but it had limitations and did not always function as it should. A wonderful group of volunteers, who are employed in IT, offered to make a bespoke system for the Care Shelter that could accommodate all our needs. The new system includes many improvements that make signing people in easier, faster and more efficient. It also allows notes to be added which eases the sharing of information within the staff team. We are hugely grateful to Adrian, Alan, Scott, Peter, Alastair and everyone else who built the system for us.
3.5 Bethany Banquets
The Bethany Banquets were held for the first time in 2018, once a month during the summer to bridge the gap between Care Shelter seasons. These meals provide an opportunity for positive social interaction, not just between guests but also with volunteers and staff, thereby reducing isolation in the homeless community. The Banquets are organised and delivered by the Care Shelter staff team who bring the skills learned over the winter, as well as a knowledge of many of the individuals who come along. Residents from Bethany House and Bethany Christian Centre are involved in menu planning, preparing food, setting up the hall and serving the food. There is an event type feel to the Banquets with decorations, a focus on sharing in a quality evening and a roast dinner shared together in commonality.
Tables are decorated with tablecloths, colourful napkins and snacks for people on arrival; musicians are invited to provide entertainment and people are served at the tables rather than having to join a queue. Last summer, one lady was so touched by the whole experience; she loved the food but what really got to her was the entertainment. She kept saying, “I can’t believe you would put on a concert for us!” She was overwhelmed at the tables set “like a birthday party.” She thoroughly enjoyed her evening and said, “This is all prepared for us with love.” People feel valued due to the effort that is put in to make the Banquets special.
All the services that partner through the Care Shelter season are invited to attend the Banquet events to maximise the opportunity for guests to link in with appropriate health, housing, debt, and legal support interventions.
Last year we had a total of 99 individuals attend the Banquets with an average of 27 people at each one. The majority of individuals that attended were males, aged between 46 and 55, and were rough sleeping that night. There will be another five Banquets held in summer of 2019, located in different city centre church halls.
“This place has saved my life!” 11
4 CHURCH AND VOLUNTEER OVERVIEW
One of the most inspiring things about the Care Shelter is that so many different denominations and churches come together with the shared goal of serving the poor, for the sake of showing love to those who need it. Congregations are mobilised in unity around this one purpose, laying aside theological or traditional differences.
4.1 Venues
The Care Shelter has always operated on a rota basis; moving around different church venues (see appendix). Due to the level of need, the 2017-2018 report recommended increasing the capacity of the Care Shelter and also finding a single venue where the Care Shelter could be located each night throughout the winter. This vision for the Care Shelter started to become a reality when Gorgie Dalry Stenhouse Church approached Bethany Christian Trust to offer the use of the Stenhouse St Aidan’s building on Gorgie Road as a space for the Care Shelter. A programme of renovations was undertaken and the Care Shelter was able to move to the newly named Diadem on 21 December. Up until that point in the season, the Care Shelter had moved around different churches. The 12 churches that hosted the Care Shelter were:
Barclay Viewforth Church ● Central ● Charlotte Chapel ● Church of the Sacred Heart Community Church Edinburgh ● Gorgie Dalry Stenhouse ● Holyrood Evangelical Kings Church, Viewforth ● Meadowbank Parish Church ● North Leith Parish Church Polwarth Parish Church ● St Cuthbert's Parish Church
We are especially grateful to the churches that offered dates at the last minute to cover a gap of 18 nights when the renovations to Diadem were delayed. All venues for the first part of the season were able to accommodate 60 people per night.
We are delighted to have a base for the Care Shelter for the 32 weeks it is open over the winter and to be working with Gorgie Dalry Stenhouse Church on this. Diadem is a great venue with purpose built shower facilities and space for 75 people to sleep each night. In providing this venue, the church has enabled service developments such as having raised beds instead of mats on the floor. These home comforts helped make the Care Shelter a peaceful, harmonious place that enabled staff to help so many of our guests. Being based in one location provides consistency for those staying there; no one reports having gone to the wrong church or getting lost trying to find the Shelter. We are most grateful to God for his provision and to Gorgie Dalry Stenhouse Church for sharing with us in this vision.
4.2 Catering teams
Churches that are not located in central Edinburgh are able to be involved as catering teams, coming from as far as Falkirk and North Berwick. There were 69 different catering teams involved during the winter, many of whom had to get used to catering in a kitchen that was not in their own church, because of the move to Diadem.
Incredibly, over 1,000 volunteers are signed up to cater at the Care Shelter. They do a wonderful job; preparing and serving a hot, nutritious, two-course meal each night, providing all the food, chatting to guests as they eat and clearing everything up afterwards.
An induction evening is held in the autumn to brief volunteers on any changes and instruct new volunteers on important aspects of volunteering such as boundaries and confidentiality. Each evening a briefing is held with the staff team to make sure everyone is aware of what to do in an emergency, where the fire exits are located and a reminder of how to interact appropriately with our guests. This is followed by devotions and prayer.
12 “What a great venue, we are lucky to have it.”
The catering teams involved with the Care Shelter this winter were:
Abbey Church ● All Nations Christian Fellowship ● Barclay Viewforth Church Bellevue Chapel ● Bethany Fundraising Team ● C3 Edinburgh ● Canongate Kirk Capital City Church International ● Central ● Charlotte Chapel ● Christ Church, Britwell Crescent Christ Church, Morningside ● Church of the Sacred Heart ● City Gates Baptist Church Community Church Edinburgh ● Craiglockhart Church ● Currie Kirk Dalkeith Full Gospel Church ● Davidson's Mains Parish Church ● Dedridge Baptist Church Dentons ● Destiny Church ● Duke Street United Reformed Church ● Elcho Place Hall Found Church ● Gorgie Dalry Stenhouse ● Granton Parish Church ● Greenbank Parish Church Holyrood Evangelical ● Hope! Church ● Hope City Church ● Howgate Church Juniper Green Parish Church ● Kings Church ● Kirk of Calder ● Kirkliston Community Church Liberton Kirk ● Liberton Northfield ● Longniddry Parish Church ● Maddiston Evangelical Church Meadowbank Parish Church ● Morningside Parish Church ● Musselburgh Congregational Church Musselburgh Northesk ● North Leith Parish Church ● Palmerston Place Church Polwarth Parish Church ● Portobello and Joppa Parish Church St Andrew's and St George's West Church ● St Anne's Parish Church ● St Columba's by the Castle St Columba's Free Church ● St Cuthbert's Parish Church ● St Giles Neighbourhood Group St John the Baptist, Corstorphine ● St John the Evangelist ● St John's & St Mary Magdalene St Margaret's Church ● St Mark's, Portobello ● St Michael's Parish Church, Inveresk St Michael's, Linlithgow ● St Mungo's, Balerno ● St Ninian's Episcopal ● St Ninian's, Marionville St Patrick's Roman Catholic Church ● St Peter's Lutton Place ● St Peter's, Musselburgh St Paul's and St George's Church ● Ypeople
diadem noun a jewelled crown or headband worn as a symbol of royalty
When looking to name the building, one of the members of the church came across these verses from the Bible and felt that they captured the transformation in people’s lives when they know the love of God.
You will be a crown of splendour in the Lord’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God. No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah (My Delight), and your land Beulah (Married). Isaiah 62: 2-3
Shortly afterwards, the blackout curtains were taken down in the sanctuary and a stained glass window of a diadem was revealed! What an amazing confirmation that this was the correct name chosen for the building.
“I love coming to the churches as I know I'll be warm, well looked after, given good food and lots of it. I can’t wait to get into bed.” 13
4.3 Donations of clothing and toiletries
Catering teams often bring along donations of warm clothing and toiletries to the Care Shelter which are available for anyone who needs them. This winter saw a phenomenal response form the public to a request for items early in the season when supplies of donations were low. People were very generous and items kept arriving all season. These items are always very much appreciated and help equip someone for a cold day on the street, or give them a much needed change of clothing. As well as second-hand warm clothing, we also suggested that people could donate new underwear and socks as these items are much needed.
One evening, a gentleman began chatting with staff about how he was needing a new pair of trainers. Much to his amazement, beside him on the donations table were a new pair of trainers in the exact size he needed. He was absolutely delighted with them! On other occasions, when the Care Shelter has reached capacity, donated sleeping bags are handed out to those who cannot obtain a bed inside. It is a terrible thing to have to turn someone away, and being able to give them a sleeping bag can be the difference between life and death.
14 “Thank you for this winter coat. This will keep me warm out on the streets all day.”
5 STAFFING
This season the Care Shelter opened with two Team Leaders, four Nightshift Project Workers and two Twilight Project Workers. Nightshift staff worked a week on, week off rota; 12-hour shifts starting at 8pm and finishing at 8am. Twilight staff worked four-hour shifts from 8pm till midnight. Each night there was a Team Leader, two Nightshift Project Workers and one Twilight staff member on shift. Two additional Twilight workers were recruited at the start of the season with a start date in December to coincide with the move to Diadem, our new fixed venue, to help cover additional minibus runs. There was constant on-call cover from management and in addition, the Project Manager and Deputy Manager were in attendance at the Care Shelter regularly.
Later in the season, the team grew thanks to additional funding from the Scottish Government to increase the capacity of the Care Shelter to 75 to better meet the presenting need. An additional Nightshift Project Worker was on shift each night instead of the additional Twilight Project Worker, and more hours were allocated to the Deputy Manager to further support the team. In addition, the Deputy Manager moved to another role within Bethany in January which prompted a change of the management structure. One of the Team Leaders, James Milligan, was promoted to Senior Team Leader and Naomi Hanlon was recruited as a part-time Administrator. This arrangement worked well for the remainder of the season and will be maintained into next winter.
Team Leaders Twilight Project Workers Daniel Vinten Bob Milne Eliot Kovacs David McGuire James Milligan Gillian McNicoll
Nightshift Project Workers Eleanor McLachlan Ruth Longmuir Manager Hugh Smith Robert Thomson Deputy Manager Joe McCormack James Milligan Senior Team Leader Laura Walker Naomi Hanlon Administrator Neil Fernandes Rachael Davie
The Team Leaders received an initial three-day induction, followed by a five-day induction for the whole staff team. This included the following topics: Policies and procedures; Care Shelter rules; team dynamics; food hygiene; health and safety; the vision and ethos of the Care Shelter; building culture and a welcoming environment; local agency awareness; professional boundaries; behaviour management; breakaway training; first aid and body spillage; administering Naloxone; mental health and addictions. Throughout this time the team would continually come together in prayer and sharing. This led the team to grow and bond as a unit, ready to support everyone who they came into contact with.
"There's not many people who can do the hardest jobs. But you guys can do that, and you do it well". 15
6 NIGHTLY TIMETABLE
Bethany staff arrive 8.00pm and get the venue 6.00— 7.00pm ready to open for the night ahead. Volunteer catering team arrives and prepares a nutritious Briefing and devotions two-course hot meal. with staff & volunteers. 8.30pm
Staff start taking names of guests 9.00pm who have arrived. Minibus pickups from the city 9.00pm centre start running. People also make their way on foot. Doors open, people are welcomed in 9.20- 9.30pm and get a hot drink. The meal is served. Staff 9.30pm engage with guests in a bid to help them move on from the Shelter positively. Regular visiting partners attend to provide further specialist advice Meal time is over and support. Shower and volunteers clear 10.30pm facilities are available for everything away. use. Cold drinks are left out till morning.
Lights out. Everyone is 11.00pm in bed. Volunteers leave having cleared up. Twilight Project Worker leaves. Midnight
The staff then rotate responsibilities between watching the hall, providing security at the door, checking the toilets and also each having a 45 minute break. Lights are switched on 6.30am and a breakfast of tea, coffee, cereal and toast All guests leave. The venue is served. First minibus journey 7.00am is then cleaned and staff back into town soon leaves. leave by 8am. Usually three trips are needed.
16 “This macaroni is the best I ever had!”
7 FINANCE
The Care Shelter benefits from a huge amount of gift in kind. The volunteers give their time for free, the venues are provided free of charge along with the use of the kitchen, heating and lighting1. Catering teams also provide the food supplies for the project each night as part of their voluntary church giving. We estimate that the in-kind giving provided to support the project is as follows:
Per night Full season
Food £200 £44,800
Cost of volunteers if paid living wage £270 £60,480 Venue hire £100 £22,400 Caretaker £30 £6,720 2 Utilities £25 £4,500
Other donated goods £100 £22,400 Total £161,300
It would not be possible to operate the Care Shelter without these high levels of gift in kind. The level of donated goods and the voluntary service offered is exceptional.
We budgeted and received restricted income as follows:
Restricted Income Overview Budget Actual
Individual Gifts £30,835 £27,488
Gift Aid £3,167 £11,449 Grants £10,000 £64,000 Received
Church Gifts £35,000 £46,851 Trust Income £75,000 £79,763
Company Gifts £35,000 £21,590 Other Income £19,600 £6,695
Totals £208,602 £257,836
In total, the restricted income was up £49,234 against budget for year end to March 2019. The very high level of financial support from churches in addition to the volunteering and meals provided reflects the care and concern shown by the local churches in partnering with Bethany in this project.
The total expenditure was £261,433 and the total restricted income was £257,836 showing a difference of -£3,597.
1 A contribution for heating and lighting is given to Gorgie Dalry Stenhouse Church for utilities at Diadem. Because the Care Shelter is now located in one venue, the cost of utilities falls to only one church so it is only fair to contribute to these costs. 2 Worked out as £25 per night while rotating venues (88 nights) and a contribution for the estimated cost of utilities for the 136 nights at Diadem.
“Great to get a scran and get head down for the night!” 17
The Scottish Government supported the Care Shelter again this winter to increase staffing so that more people could safely be accommodated each night. A grant of £50,000 contributed to a core budget deficit and allowed the Care Shelter to increase capacity to 75 on 1 January for the remainder of the season.
Additional fundraising was needed to meet unanticipated costs at the time of budgeting, such as 75 beds, pillows and bedding. Our thanks goes to those individuals and trusts who responded to requests for funds to purchase these much needed items. Gorgie Dalry Stenhouse Church paid for all the renovations to Diadem.
We are hugely indebted to our donors and supporters, without whom the Care Shelter could not operate. Whether giving goods, time or contributing financially, the supporters of the Care Shelter not only provide a safe place of shelter for people but they also facilitate one- off conversations and relationships with staff that help people feel valued and explore their move-on options. In addition to the generous donations of many churches, individuals and sponsored events towards the work of the Care Shelter, we are also very grateful to the various trusts, organisations and funds that responded generously to Bethany’s Fundraising Team in enabling us to fulfil this work:
Allchurches Nimar Charitable Trust Circle B Trust Pret Foundation Ltd CRH Trust Sainsbury's Family Trust (Jerusalem Trust) Cruden Foundation Ltd Scottish Government Erskine Cunningham Hill Trust Society for the relief of the Destitute Sick Evelyn Drysdale Charitable Trust Tesco bags of help Fair Food Transformation Fund, The Challenge Trust Scottish Government Hobson Charity The Edinburgh Bar Association Inchcape Foundation The Graham Trust J K Young Endowment Fund The Hinshelwood Gibson Charitable Trust Jigsaw Vardy Foundation The Miss Eliza C Pedersen's Charitable Trust Leith Benevolent Association The Netherdale Charitable Trust Leith Benevolent Fund The Pettigrew Charitable Trust N Smith Charitable Settlement The Wilson Family Trust Nationwide fund Tulip Charitable Trust
18 “I feel safe & secure here. The food was great.”
IMPACT ▪ Partnership working ▪ Feedback and qualitative updates
8 PARTNERSHIP WORKING
Partnership working is key in the Care Shelter and we are pleased to welcome along services, many on a regular basis, to link in with guests and offer advice and support to them. Having the fixed location of Diadem has freed up Care Shelter staff time, enabling them to even better engage and support guests, building up relationships and gaining trust. Having the visiting partner services at the Care Shelter allows staff to refer people on to more specialist sources of support.
There are very few barriers to people accessing the Care Shelter, making it an ideal place to reach people who would not normally link in with services. Guests appreciate the services making the effort to “come to them” and enjoy informal chats with people instead of going to an office for a meeting or clinical appointment, which can be intimidating. Once that relationship is formed, many guests go on to engage with the services, attending meetings or appointments at their offices. We know of one individual this winter who struggles with mental health and due to experiences in their past are very wary of the NHS. They didn’t speak to the nurses at the Care Shelter but just from having seen them there, they felt able to go along to Edinburgh Access Practice and register with a GP.
The service would have been improved by having City of Edinburgh Council Housing Officers attend the Care Shelter this winter, something that unfortunately wasn’t able to happen. Glasgow City Mission run the night shelter in Glasgow and this winter reported a 74% positive move-on rate1. They attribute this success to partnership working and it is noted that Glasgow City Council’s homelessness casework team attend the shelter five evenings a week. They can check the status of a homeless application and whether any accommodation is immediately available. We feel that a similar presence at the Care Shelter would be of huge benefit and we hope that this might be possible next winter.
The Care Shelter and our visiting partners are in agreement that partnership working is vital to supporting men and women out of homelessness. Currently all the visiting partners meet up a couple of times each winter but we are looking at ways to work more closely together and to share information on individual’s cases. We hope to have more regular meetings and also to utilise a function of our new registration system to allow partners to log in and record information.
8.1 Timetable
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Morning Streetwork Streetwork Streetwork Streetwork Streetwork
EAP nurse & Big Issue Evening Crisis GP CPN (fortnightly)
This season 12 different partners attended the Care Shelter. The timetable above shows the partners that visited regularly; Streetwork, a Practice Nurse and Community Psychiatric Nurse (CPN) from Edinburgh Access Practice, the Big Issue, Crisis and a GP.
1 Glasgow Winter Night Shelter Report 2018/19, www.glasgowcitymission.com/admin/resources/ report-gwns-2018-19.pdf
20 “Great to be able to have a nurse here to help people!”
In addition, the Care Shelter had many more partners attend this season: Streetreads provided a library which was very popular with guests. Volunteers from Streetreads took time to chat with guests to discover what types of books they would like. Ypeople’s Your Home service visited on occasion to offer support to people looking to get their own accommodation. Bethany Christian Centre staff and residents visited to tell people about the Centre which aims, through a supported residential community, to assist individuals in their recovery from an addictive lifestyle. The Centre provides access to a selection of recovery programmes including structured group-work, one-to-one support, recreation, work activities and training. Dentists came along to the Care Shelter, offered advice and handed out toothbrushes and toothpaste. Barbers came along for one night. This was a great success as many of the guests took up the offer of a hair cut. This relationship was developed late in the season and it is hoped that the barbers will come back again next season. The Volunteer Information Centre came for a one-off visit to offer volunteering opportunities to guests.
Care Shelter staff also worked closely with Bethany House, an emergency hostel with 28 beds. On a number of occasions, after liaising with the council and Bethany House staff, an individual moved from the Care Shelter straight into Bethany House.
Thank you to all the services and partners who visited the Care Shelter this winter, prioritising these visits despite the unsociable working hours. As can be seen in the following reports, these interactions make a difference to people.
8.2 Reports by visiting partners
Contained below is a brief summary of the involvement of each service that visited regularly this winter.
8.2.1 The Big Issue Scotland
Staff and volunteers attended the Care Shelter to speak to people about selling The Big Issue magazine as an alternative to begging. We visited every second Tuesday from 9.30–10.30pm. We were able to engage with people in a comfortable environment, rather than on the streets, to explain the opportunities and support we can offer. Our volunteers noted how friendly and welcoming the staff and volunteers at the Care Shelter were. They felt able to quickly build a good working relationship with them.
We spoke to one guest on our first visit. He was aware of The Big Issue but had some common misconceptions which we were able to dispel. A few weeks later he came to the office to learn a bit more about selling the magazine and let us know that he had now secured temporary accommodation. He came to the office the next week and got badged up, consistently selling the magazine and speaking about the benefits both financially and for his mental health. He is still engaged with us, and has since moved to another city.
8.2.2 Crisis
Crisis visited the Care Shelter on Wednesday night of every week. We provided people with support to access accommodation, advocating on their behalf with the council and challenging decisions, as well as help with benefits, immigration, education, training and employment. We supported around 20 people out of the Care Shelter and into accommodation. We didn’t keep a record of the number of people that we assisted through other means but the total number of people that were provided assistance was around 50.
“I know you will never hear this, you are a miracle. 21 I was blown away by the service you provide.”
8.2.3 Edinburgh Access Practice and Volunteer GP
For the fourth year, staff visited the Care Shelter every week (except two over Christmas and New Year). A range of staff attended including CPNs, PNs, Clinical Support Worker, Specialist Hepatobiliary Nurse, Associate GP and Fellow GP. Where possible two members of EAP staff co-attended.
An average of six to seven individual consultations per night were recorded, with additional signposting, support, liaison and general introduction to an additional four or five people per session. This totals to an approximate 250 contacts. 24 people presented for registration or re-registration at the Edinburgh Access Practice who had been seen at the Care Shelter, and a Gold Card system was introduced whereby anyone wanting to register or already known to us could present at reception and be seen.
As in previous years, the majority of the work was for mental health supports including reactive depression and anxiety, anger management, autism, PTSD, ADHD, psychosis, Borderline Personality Disorder, substance misuse, and often longer term conditions brought to crisis and exacerbated by street homelessness. Physical nursing care was provided on an immediate and necessary basis, and as with other years, the issues remained predominantly minor injury care (dressings/wound care/bandaging/advice re skin conditions). Much signposting was done, supporting people into care for substance misuse and addictions services. This is often an entry to care and we find other physical and mental health care needs can be identified and met once the person accesses the practice.
The best success of the EAP Winter Care Shelter outreach work is in Care Shelter staff support and encouragement, efficient signposting and information sharing regarding access to services, and most importantly in relationship building with this vulnerable and alienated group. Some comments reflecting this were: “I wouldn’t have come here if I hadn’t seen the nurse at the Shelter last night.” “I avoid going to the doctor, but it was good to speak to the one at the Care Shelter.” “I watched the mental health nurse speaking to someone else at the Care Shelter, and decided I could trust her.” “I didn’t even know you lot existed.”
8.2.4 Streetwork
We visited the Care Shelter 145 times this winter, every weekday morning (approximately 10 missed due to staff sickness etc.). This year, we adjusted our strategy, implementing a more assertive target approach to our engagement with service users. We have implemented tighter communication and referral pathways, conducted assessments on the go using digital mobile devices and worked more directly and effectively with agencies supporting the Care Shelter. This concentrated approach has led to a reduction in overall contacts and unique presentations but the accommodation outcomes have been greater.
The Street Team is the nominated agency for referring service users into the Rapid Access Accommodation (RAA) project which aims to reduce the boundaries set by other accommodation types in order to support the most isolated and vulnerable people who are rough sleeping. The Street Team directly accommodated 21 Care Shelter guests.
Over the course of the winter there were 521 service user presentations by 239 unique individuals (53 of those were recorded as anonymous). Here follows a general breakdown of positive move-ons for individual service users met at the Care Shelter: Entered RA accommodation - 21 Entered CEC accommodation - 50 Entered alternative accommodation types - 3 Successful referrals to CEC or other relevant council agencies - 39
22 “I feel much better for talking to you guys.”
Complex multi-agency care plans - 16 Successful referrals to external services - 54 Successful multi agency execution of complex risk assessments - 9 Repatriated - 5
K was introduced to the Street Team by the Care Shelter staff one morning in November 2018. She was fleeing domestic abuse from her partner, she expressed suicidal thoughts and appeared low and vulnerable to exploitation. In order to offer K a rapid response to her housing crisis, workers accompanied her to the Holyrood Hub, where they were able to have a private conversation and discuss her options. K expressed determination to move on with her life and to start living independently. Workers supported K to The Access Point, where they advocated for her and she was offered temporary accommodation. A referral was made to the Visiting Housing Support (VHS) Team at Streetwork as a priority case due to her vulnerability. The Street Team purchased a mobile phone for K, paid for with the Personalised Budget money, which enabled her to keep in touch with workers. Within the next five days K was moved to a women’s supported accommodation and started engaging with their VHS worker. Thanks to effective communication between the Care Shelter and the Outreach Team staff, K was offered a safety net of support in her housing and relationship crisis and was offered the relevant support.
8.2.5 Police
Month Total
September 2 October 8
November 16
December 13 January 14
February 11 March 8
April 8 May 0 Total 80
A total of 80 people were dropped off by the Police this winter. The police are asked to phone in advance when dropping people off to make sure the service is appropriate for the individual and to check for a bed space. This number could therefore have been higher but the Care Shelter reached capacity on 55 nights. Although the police were in regular attendance to drop people off and check for missing persons, they were also entrusted to attend in the rare event of an escalating situation.
“Thank you for keeping me alive this winter.” 23
9 FEEDBACK AND QUALITATIVE UPDATES
9.1 Positive comments
Some examples of comments and stories from nightly reports submitted by Team Leaders:
“You're brilliant. I don’t think you all hear that enough. Brilliant.”
“This place is safe and warm, I am so grateful for you guys!”
“You people stay awake all night. You are asked to stay awake all night to look after us. Even when Jesus asked his disciples to stay awake, they couldn't. But you do!”
“Food was phenomenal!”
“You might never know how much this service has helped an individual as they move on, but when you go to heaven you will hear stories about this place being a link in the chain to people encountering God.”
“This weather is a killer, thank God for you guys!”
“Wow! Its been so long since I've slept in a proper bed! Oh my goodness this is amazing! I have a bed, I have a bed!”
“I'm so excited to just get my head down and rest.”
“You are angels and you don't know how much you are helping me.”
“It feels so good to have a hot shower after my day!”
“This is beautiful, you come in here and you find everything you need. Was looking for a pair of boots and BAM there they are the next day! Marvellous."
“Thanks for listening and encouraging me this evening.”
24 “I appreciate all of your help, you do a great job!”
“I'm glad I can come here, there is a reason I'm still alive. I know that.”
“Oh I love a beef stew! I can't wait for that.”
“The food, desserts, gifts & goodies were all very much appreciated. Thank you and God bless you all for everything you do for us.”
“Thanks so much, that's the best night sleep I've had in ages.”
“I just want to thank you again. It has been an absolute life saver for me.”
“Thanks so much for taking the time to care for me. No one has ever cared for me this much. You guys make me feel so welcome.”
9.2 Snapshot stories:
9.2.1 Charlie
After the Care Shelter had closed for the summer, staff bumped into a guest who had stayed at the Shelter over the winter. He approached staff with a hand out in friendship and shared the following:
“I came to this country and knew no one. When you don’t sleep you can’t think. You brought me in. You gave me food. I got to have a shower. I had a bed, so I could sleep. I was able to think.
“Thank you. I have accommodation and friends here now.”
He shook the staff member’s hand again and walked away.
9.2.2 A sense of community at the Care Shelter
One night at the Care Shelter, as the guests were gathered at the entrance waiting for the doors to open, one of the regular guests suddenly collapsed and had a seizure. Staff swung into action – they are trained to deal with such incidents. At the same time, all the guests showed huge concern and willing to help by any means possible. They gave staff space and time to care for the stricken individual and they made sure no one entered the building while the staff were distracted. That concern and caring by the other guests continued as the seizure subsided and the man began to come around. Some guests waited in the street to flag down the ambulance that had been called.
Even although the vast majority of the guests did not know this man or maybe only knew him by his first name, and even although some of the guests are in terrible situations themselves, they still showed love and caring towards the unknown man. The Care Shelter is a community; many individuals from different backgrounds, brought together by a lack of accommodation. Despite their many differences, there is a willingness to look out for one another.
“You are doing an amazing job in very difficult circumstances!” 25
Tam’s Story
One wet night, Tam arrived at the Care Shelter, extremely cold, wet and muddy. He was really struggling to walk and looked to be in a great deal of pain. Care Shelter staff quickly helped him into the warmth of the church, wrapped him in a blanket and brought him a hot drink. Tam shared with staff that he had slipped on the sodden ground in a graveyard during the day and twisted his ankle. When staff urged him to get medical help, his response was, “No, they don’t care, no one does.”
Staff supported Tam throughout the night, bringing him food and helping him to bed. Morning came and Tam was still struggling. Staff shared Tam’s struggles with Streetwork when they arrived and after a long chat and much encouragement from Bethany and Streetwork staff, Tam finally agreed to accept help. A contract taxi was arranged by Streetwork and he soon left, heading for the hospital.
Tam returned to the Care Shelter that night, explaining to staff that he had broken a bone in his foot. He was now on crutches and painkillers but despite this was still in a lot of pain and continued to have difficulty moving around.
Tam had been homeless for a while and was well-known to Care Shelter staff. He found it hard to link in with services, often refusing help. At the Care Shelter he regularly chatted to the GP when she visited and he also spoke with Crisis. He was reluctant to talk to them about his homelessness, but agreed to let them help him to get his bus pass. This led to him attending a weekly Crisis drop-in session and, after building up a relationship with him, they were able to accompany him to a homelessness assessment at the council. He was given temporary accommodation and then subsequently moved into sheltered accommodation. Crisis are still working with Tam to help him get all the things he needs for his new home.
It would have been very difficult for Tam’s foot to heal if he was to stay out on the streets and on his feet all day. Through joined up partnership working at the Care Shelter, Tam was supported out of homelessness and into accommodation. Hopefully, he now understands that there are people who care about him.
26 “This place is a little taste of heaven!”
STATISTICS ▪ Attendance ▪ Monitoring forms and analysis
10 ATTENDANCE
Attendance at the Care Shelter is analysed in the following section in terms of number of nightly presentations and also the number of unique individuals who stayed at the Care Shelter over the winter.
10.1 Nightly attendance
Average Nightly Attendance by Month
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0 September October November December January February March April May 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19
This winter was the busiest season the Care Shelter has seen since it opened in 1996. The average nightly attendance was 59 people per night which was a huge increase of 16 (from 43 people) the previous winter. The graph above shows the average nightly attendance by month compared with the previous three seasons. The busiest night saw 91 people attend which unfortunately resulted in 27 people being turned away.
The Care Shelter operated with a larger capacity than usual for the whole of the winter, at least 60 people per night. This was necessary due to the demand for the service that has been seen in recent winters. Due to a very generous contribution from the Scottish Government the staffing was increased and the Care Shelter was able to safely accommodate 75 people per night from 1 January for the rest of the season. Despite these increases in capacity, someone was turned away due to the Care Shelter being full on 149 occasions across the season. This happened on 106 occasions when at a capacity of 60 (an average of 1.07 people per night) but only on 43 occasions when at a capacity of 75 (averaging 0.34 people per night).
The graph shows that numbers attending the Care Shelter grew steadily from the start of the season, dropped off in December and January, peaked in February and gradually declined towards the end of the season. The reduction in numbers in December coincided with the move to Diadem and also the opening of a new rapid access hostel in the city. Despite the decrease in numbers from the previous months, December and January were still busier than the corresponding months for the preceding three seasons.
28 “This is the most sleep I've had in ages, it must be a safety thing.”
10.2 Total number of presentations
14000
12000
10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19
The above graph clearly shows the huge increase in presentations this season (to 13,267) compared to the previous five seasons. Sadly, a clear upward trend can be seen since 2013. It is disappointing that after the reduction in the number of presentations last season, the numbers were so high this winter. In last year’s report, the decrease was in part attributed to the actions taken by the Homeless and Rough Sleeping Action Group and partner agencies to try to address rough sleeping on a wider scale last winter. Although many of these measures have continued, the numbers have still unfortunately risen. As we will see in section 10.4, it took longer for people to move on from the Care Shelter this winter and so people stayed longer on average.
10.3 How many individuals used the Care Shelter?
Average Number of New Attendees Per Week
Over the course of the winter, 746 different people stayed at the Care Shelter. This chart shows the average number of new attendees per week in comparison to the previous four seasons. On average, 23 new people presented per week which is slightly down on last
“You guys have been so lovely and helpful to me. I am so grateful for you tonight.” 29
season’s average of 26 people. This may have been because the Shelter was full more often. Someone was turned away due to capacity on 149 occasions and their identity was not recorded. Therefore there is likely to be a number of other individuals who never gained access to the Care Shelter and are not included in the 746 individuals.
10.4 How many nights did people stay?
As has been shown in 10.1 to 10.3, the number of individuals attending the Care Shelter was slightly down on a weekly comparison with the previous season, but the number of presentations was much higher than previous seasons, with 59 people presenting per night on average. Some light can be shed on the reasons for these differences by looking at the average length of stay of a guest at the Care Shelter.
The average number of nights each person stayed at the Care Shelter was 17.5. This is up from 11.3 last season and represents a 55% increase. This is a disappointing change in direction from the 2017-2018 winter season when it had looked like people were able to move on faster from the Care Shelter to more appropriate accommodation.
Number of Nights Stayed by Percentage of Individuals
The chart shows the percentage of individuals who stayed for different ranges of nights; one night, a week or less, a fortnight or less, a month or less and more than half the season (more than 112 nights). 34% of individuals stayed for only one night, 65% stayed for seven nights or less. This winter, the percentage of individuals staying for seven, 14 and 31 nights or less is the lowest it has been for the last four seasons. The Care Shelter is there for people in their crisis and it is hoped that people will be able to move on quickly from needing to stay at the Shelter. Unfortunately, people are staying longer at the Care Shelter which is an indication that it is harder to move on to other accommodation.
Whereas last winter 67 people stayed more than 31 nights across the whole season, this winter there were 114 people. A slight increase might be expected with the Shelter being four weeks longer but this 70% increase is significant. Only 8% of British people stayed for more than 31 days, compared to 38% of Eastern Europeans and 51% of those from
30 “Thank you for the backpack, it's made my life easier.”
elsewhere in Europe. This shows the disparity that there is between UK nationals and non- UK nationals in terms of support to move on, for example access to benefits and homeless accommodation. Of the 25 individuals who stayed most nights at the Care Shelter this winter, only two were UK nationals. More can be seen about the difficulties faced by some non-UK nationals in section 11.11.
10.5 Who came back to the Care Shelter?
Over the last three seasons a total of 1,865 individuals have used the Care Shelter, with between 500 and 600 new people each year.
The chart below shows the percentage of those who returned to the Care Shelter in another season, based on data from the last three winters. Of the total population across those three seasons (1,865 people), 12% accessed the service in two different seasons including 2% (the centre section) staying in all three. This is almost exactly the same overlap in attendance as last season when looking at the preceding three winters.
77% of individuals who attended the Care Shelter this winter had not stayed at the Shelter in the preceding two seasons.
Population: 1,865 individuals over the last three winter seasons.
The percentages shown represent the percentage of this total, in each segment. E.g. 2% in the centre equates to 46 people who have attended all three seasons.
31% in 2018/19 means that 572 individuals were new to the Care Shelter this season.
There is a common perception surrounding rough sleepers which suggests that they are an entrenched, static population. However these statistics indicate that this is not correct.
The Care Shelter is there for everyone who needs it and we operate with a low threshold for access. The struggles and underlying issues associated with rough sleeping and the accompanying chaotic lifestyle mean that the pathways in and out of homelessness are far from linear. Individuals often experience short periods of rough sleeping and so need the Care Shelter on and off over a period of time, sometimes many years. This is particularly important because those who are experiencing the most turbulent times are often the individuals who have had the most support removed, with the potential for them being barred from other services for issues such as time-keeping and behaviour.
It is hoped that the new Housing First project in Edinburgh will provide some people who have been homeless over longer periods with more stability and the support needed to maintain a tenancy. We would hope to see less people returning across the seasons in the future.
“Thank you guys so much for being here for me and taking time to talk to me. Don't know what I'd do if you guys weren't here.” 31
Rowena’s Story
Having studied in Edinburgh, I then lived and worked down south for 14 years before taking a five year sabbatical in Cyprus. I then moved back to Edinburgh but three months later, at the age of 40, I was sectioned and lost almost my entire memory in hospital. It has been almost five years since I was admitted to hospital and a lot has taken place during this time. I’m gaining my independence back, meeting old and making new friends. I have volunteered for a charity cafe and I’ve retrained in care work and worked in a care home which was really a moving experience and something I’m proud of.
I became homeless and almost possession-less due to the harsh reality hitting home of my mother suffering with cancer. (Thankfully, by the grace of God, she survived it.) After being there for her and my father, the reality of the situation suddenly struck me. At the same time, my partner became unwell again and was re-admitted to hospital. I was close to being evicted because of a lack of communication with my landlord whilst my mind was elsewhere. I hit the road unable to cope, leaving behind my normal day to day routine, living requirements and matters that burdened me.
At the Care Shelter I came into contact with good people to talk to and to be supported by. It was great to have the new beds, the good traditional food, the attention to detail and a real genuine affinity from the staff. My health has improved and I am now miraculously able to read books again after five years.
One of the staff at the Care Shelter was a delight, informing me of a space available at Bethany House. Now I’m in Bethany House, situated next to the water of Leith with the ducks and walkways down to the Shore. I’m in a warm, safe house with my own room and I am provided with warmth, good food, clothing and lots of support. I’m applying for a house, I’m claiming Universal Credit and job hunting.
Since writing her story Rowena has been involved in cooking and serving at a Bethany Banquet—see section 3.5.
“Although it sounds strange, I will miss being here as you have 32 made me feel part of the family and I feel very much at home here.”
11 MONITORING FORMS AND ANALYSIS
On entry to the Care Shelter, names were taken electronically on a tablet. At this point, if a new person presented to the service they were asked to complete a few further questions from the monitoring form. There was no obligation to answer any of the questions but most people did. The details provided in this section are based on those who did respond.
The information allows us to have a more comprehensive understanding of those who are accessing the service to inform future developments.
11.1 Gender
Gender Percentage by Year
The gender split at the Care Shelter continues to be very similar to previous seasons, with 81% male, 18% female and 1% not identifying as the gender they were born with. This “other” category was new this season.
Average Number of Nights Stayed by Gender by Year
The average stay for a man was 18 nights while for a woman it was 17. This is a big increase on last season after an encouraging decrease in 2017/2018. This 113% increase
“I never heard about this before. I wouldn't have come to a church in any other circumstances, but it is an amazing work that you do here.” 33
for females is particularly concerning because of the extreme vulnerability of women who are roofless. See section 10.4 for more detail on the average lengths of stay.
11.2 Age
The average age was 39 which is very similar to the findings in previous years. The youngest person was 17 years old and the oldest was 83.
11.3 Nationalities
The breakdown of nationalities of people staying at the Care Shelter is similar to previous seasons with 69% being from the UK and 28% from the rest of Europe. There were 40 different nationalities represented at the Care Shelter this season.
“This is amazing what is happening here. I did not expect it at all. 34 The atmosphere is so positive.”
This chart breaks down the 28% from Europe by country of origin.
Average Number of Nights Stayed by Nationality
This graph shows the average number of nights stayed by the different nationality groups. The average length of stay for a UK national is 9 nights, compared to 42 for someone from Eastern Europe, 27 for the rest of Europe and 11 for the rest of the world. This again indicates that UK nationals are far more likely to have access to routes out of rough sleeping and illustrates the difficulties other nationalities face in obtaining help. Whether that be due to a less extensive network of friends and family to support them in times of crisis or less entitlement to support from the government, other nationalities are forced to stay far longer at the Care Shelter than those from the UK.
“I really respect the volunteers, they give up their free time to serve us. And you can see they want to help us.” 35
11.4 Reason for homelessness
On their first night at the Care Shelter everyone was asked about their reason for being homeless. Individuals could choose more than one option so the chart reflects the total number of times each of the subjects were mentioned.
Consistent with previous seasons, relationship breakdown was the main reason given for being homeless. Often, people would also give another reason alongside relationship breakdown. The strain on relationships caused by these issues in people’s lives is enormous but it is often only when these relationships eventually break that people become homeless. Consequently, individuals who stay at the Care Shelter have often suffered rejection, painful relationship breakups and have burned bridges with loved ones prior to coming to the service. This can have a devastating effect on self-worth and outlook. It was the staff’s privilege to show love and kindness as we served in that context.
Mental health featured highly in responses this season with 14% linking their poor mental health with why they became homeless. This is up from 7% in 2017-2018 when this option was first included. Eviction, having no local connection and losing employment were other common reasons given for becoming homeless.
Interestingly, relationship breakdown is not the most prevalent reason for homelessness for EEA nationals as can be seen in the chart on the next page. This may be because some people will have travelled to the UK alone to find work, leaving family at home, thereby making a relationship breakdown less likely. Loss of job and having no local connection feature much more often. People from the EEA or further afield do not have the same rights to benefits or housing support as those from the UK and so are much more at risk of losing accommodation if they suffer the loss of a job. Often when they are able to secure another job we see people move on from the Care Shelter as soon as they can afford alternative accommodation. This is a great outcome but it doesn’t work that way for everyone. Being homeless is awful; it is difficult and stressful. It is a risky period and sadly some people struggle to make it out of the other side. Depression, anxiety or poor physical health can make the situation harder and sometimes people lose hope, get caught in addictions or make bad associations.
36 “Thank you all so much for looking after me and praying for me.”
Reasons for Homelessness by Nationality
The graph below shows the average number of nights people stayed at the Care Shelter, based on the reasons they gave for being homeless. Again this winter it was evident that the loss of a job or benefits can take a significant amount of time to overcome. The reason that kept people homeless the longest was having no local connection. This reason accounted for 23% of bed spaces (3,017 bed spaces) at the Shelter. If the local connection rule was abolished and City of Edinburgh Council accommodated the majority of people in these circumstances, it would make a significant difference to the numbers of rough sleepers.
Average Number of Nights Stayed by Reason for Homelessness
“No one has ever cared for me this much.” 37
First time guests were also asked what issues they needed support with and 50% of people identified housing as something they needed help with. Mental health was the next most prevalent answer with 18% of respondents identifying that they needed help with this.
What would you like help with?
11.5 Length of time homeless
The graph shows that the largest proportion of those staying at the Care Shelter had been homeless for less than a week at the point of first staying at the Care Shelter. Although this is still by far the greatest proportion of people, there is a slight trend for people having been homeless longer. Hopefully we will start to see the results of the new Housing First project in Edinburgh and see less people that have been homeless for a long time presenting at the Care Shelter.
The advantage of being in contact with people who are very recently homeless is that they can be signposted to and put in touch with organisations that they may not be aware of. Therefore the provision of signposting advice and the presence of the visiting services are vitally important at the Care Shelter (see section 8).
“You guys provide an amazing service. Without it 38 more homeless people would die during the winter.”
11.6 Most recent accommodation
On their first visit to the Care Shelter guests are asked where they had stayed the previous night. 36% reported having slept rough the night before, which is concerning due to the risks associated with rough sleeping. The answer “family and friends” continues to feature strongly with anecdotal evidence indicating substantial reliance on sofa-surfing to keep people off the streets.
The number of people being released from prison and not having any accommodation to go to continues to be concerning. 47 people this winter attended the Care Shelter and reported that their last accommodation was prison.
Season Number of people Percentage of respondents 2018-2019 47 6.4%
2017-2018 46 6.9% 2016-2017 30 4.7%
As the SHORE standards1 assert, everyone should have suitable accommodation to go to on the day they are released from custody. We support the forthcoming review of the implementation of these standards to make sure this happens for every single prisoner upon their release. It is harder for people to get a fresh start and not reoffend if they are not able to avoid old habits, previous associates or to stay away from alcohol and drugs.
1 Sustainable Housing on Release for Everyone; Scottish Quality Standards – Housing Advice, Information and Support for People on Remand or Serving a Short Term Sentence
“I appreciate good food made by people who care!” 39
11.7 Where would you be staying tonight?
The Care Shelter exists to prevent people having to sleep rough. On their first visit to the Care Shelter people are asked where they would be staying that night if not at the Shelter. This chart shows the continued need for such a provision with 94% of people responding that they would be sleeping rough that night. The Care Shelter is purposefully low barrier so that no one has to sleep rough; everyone is welcome. Only those who pose a danger to other guests or staff may on occasion be excluded due to their behaviour.
11.8 Length of time in Edinburgh
40 “This place is great and you guys are brilliant!”
On their first night at the Care Shelter people were asked how long they had been in Edinburgh. Results indicate that 62% had been here for more than six months with 46% in Edinburgh for more than five years. 38% of people had been in Edinburgh for under 6 months and it can be assumed that the majority of them had no local connection and so would not be eligible for accommodation through City of Edinburgh Council. There are many reasons why people move to a city; better employment opportunities, a fresh start, escaping problems where they were before, a job offer, following a partner etc. But when something goes wrong, the job falls through or the relationship breaks down, that person is then homeless and without access to temporary accommodation in the area they have chosen to settle in. The Scottish Government has recently consulted on the impact of the local connection rule and it is hoped that changes with be forthcoming1.
11.9 Have you presented as homeless to the council?
This graph shows that 56% of people on their first night at the Care Shelter had been to the council to seek help with accommodation. 13% believed after that visit that they were not entitled to accommodation and 43% that they were entitled but that nothing suitable was available for them. It is challenging to access temporary accommodation in Edinburgh, with demand over supply being one of the main barriers, resulting in the council not always being able to accommodate individuals. 43% of Care Shelter guests who responded to the question, or 319 individuals, were unable to get accommodation when they were entitled to it. We became aware that on some days last season, The Access Point opened their doors in the morning without any available temporary accommodation. We are happy for the council to signpost people to the Care Shelter but the Shelter must not be seen as a first response to homelessness or as an option to fulfil a legal duty. There was also no evidence of Winter Contingency being in operation during the nights when the temperature felt like below 0° Celsius (a provision where anyone will be accommodated irrespective of entitlement).
The proportion of people who had not yet been to the council has reduced this season from 50% to 43%. Some people do not know that the council may be able to help them and the
1 https://consult.gov.scot/housing-regeneration-and-welfare/local-connection-and-intentionality/
“It’s great to have somewhere warm and safe to come to and get a hot meal and rest.” 41
staff will signpost them to The Access Point. Anecdotally it seems that there are people who feel that the council won’t help them, perhaps because they have been turned away due to a lack of available accommodation in the past, or they have heard similar stories from others who are homeless. It is concerning that they are not trying to access council temporary accommodation. 11.10 How did you hear about the Care Shelter?
There were 421 responses to this question that was introduced part-way through the season. Only 34 people said that they had stayed at the Care Shelter previously which supports the conclusions in section 10.5 that most people stay for a short time at the Care Shelter and don’t return year after year. The highest answers were friends/family and City of Edinburgh Council. Significantly, 106 people said that City of Edinburgh Council had told them about the Care Shelter which is 25% of respondents. Two people said another local authority had sent them to the Care Shelter.
11.11 Do you have recourse to public funds?
“Thank you for all the support you have given me. 42 I want you to know how much I appreciate it.”
This question was asked in an effort to determine how many non-UK nationals that used the Care Shelter were homeless without access to any public funds. It was not asked to anyone from the UK. One problem with the question is that people do not understand the terminology of “recourse to public funds”. The question of whether someone is classified as NRPF is very complex and dependent on a range of factors. Many of those asked did not know themselves or did not understand the question due to language barriers. Despite this, 47% of those who answered the question responded that they did not have access to public funds.
No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) is an immigration status which limits benefit entitlement and can affect people with a right to reside in the UK, such as European Economic Area (EEA) nationals, as well as those from other places who may be here on specific visas. This group is not entitled to a full range of benefits or support when things go wrong. Therefore, they are at risk of losing accommodation when they lose a job, for example, meaning that a higher proportion end up staying at the Care Shelter.
The question was added in part way through the season, was asked only to non-UK nationals and the response rate was lower than for other more straightforward questions. 126 of the 232 non-UK nationals responded to this question: 24 (19%) confirmed that they did have access to public funds, 59 (47%) said they did not and 43 (34%) didn’t know. Had all 232 non-UK nationals responded, it could be assumed that 109 of them would have said that they had NRPF (this is 15% of the total Care Shelter attendees).
Although there is a degree of confusion around this question, it is clear that a significant number of people that stay at the Care Shelter have NRPF. The 59 individuals that said that they had NRPF stayed on average 24 nights at the Care Shelter, with two people staying more than half the season. In reality, it is likely that more of the 23 individuals who stayed for more than half of the season would have NRPF.
“Thank you for my clothes. It's great to be nice and clean!” 43
Louisa’s Story
Louisa moved to Scotland for a new start in life having grown up in an orphanage. She shared with staff that it was a very hard and unloving place where she was brought up.
Louisa stayed as a guest at the Bethany Care Shelter for most of the season. She is a motivated individual, wanting to move on to a better life with her own accommodation. However, with no job, a lack of money has kept her in the cycle of homelessness.
Louisa continuously helped with cleaning tasks in the Care Shelter, wiping tables and tidying up after mealtimes. Even when it was explained to her that she didn’t need to do this, Louisa insisted that she wanted to help out. She took to staying back in the mornings to help the staff team with their cleaning tasks. She clearly got great joy from helping and from contributing to a service that she was so grateful to receive for free. Louisa shared with staff that she really wanted a cleaning job, possibly in a hotel. Unfortunately, she was having difficulty finding work. Louisa’s spoken English is good but she struggled with application forms and talking on the phone.
Bethany staff wrote Louisa a reference letter that she could show to potential employers. It explained the fantastic work that she had done in helping clean the Care Shelter, her eye for detail and eagerness to help. With support from Streetwork and Crisis, Louisa was able to apply for suitable jobs and she now works as a cleaner in a hotel. She would arrive late at the Care Shelter after working her shift but would still be full of joy and share her love of her new job.
Having a new job did not affect her enthusiasm for helping out at the Care Shelter! She loves to help others which is definitely noticed at the Shelter.
“It's incredible that you can come here every night if you need to, 44 that’s amazing, it really is!”
CONCLUSION
12 CONCLUSION
Winter 2018-2019 was the busiest season at the Care Shelter in its 23 year history. 746 individuals were welcomed in, with an average of 59 people attending per night. This resulted in 13,267 presentations which was up 159% on the previous season. It is evident that rough sleeping is becoming more prevalent in Edinburgh and that the system to help people who are homeless is not able to cope with the demand on its services.
Bethany Christian Trust has a three branch approach to addressing homelessness; prevention, crisis intervention and follow up housing and support. While night shelters are not a long-term solution to homelessness, we do believe they are a necessary intervention when people are in an immediate crisis, to prevent them having to sleep outside. The statistics in this report show how necessary a shelter is in Edinburgh, in the absence of a better provision that is available to everyone. When such a time becomes a reality, we will be delighted to stop operating the Care Shelter. In the meantime, the Care Shelter prevents more than 700 people from sleeping rough on the city’s streets each winter and undoubtedly saves lives.
The Care Shelter exists as a safety net—it is the last option for people when all other avenues have failed. It should not be seen as a total response to homelessness but as one part of an integrated framework. As the report shows, CEC are currently referring a lot of people to the Care Shelter. We understand that this is because of the huge demand on temporary accommodation and the housing shortage that exists in the city, however, alternative solutions need to be found.
Again this year, this report has highlighted the gap in service provision for people with No Recourse to Public Funds. Eastern Europeans stayed for an average of 42 nights at the Care Shelter this winter, compared to UK nationals who averaged nine nights. Some non- UK nationals are excluded from particular public funds because of their nationality or immigration status, which is a barrier to them moving on from homelessness. As is evidenced in section 8 of this report, a big part of the service that the Care Shelter provides is move-on advice and support, through the staff team and the visiting partner organisations. There are often no move-on options for someone with NRPF and so they are left with little choice but to stay at the Care Shelter. The Shelter is there for people in their moment of crisis and to provide support to help them move to more suitable accommodation. It is not there as an alternative style of accommodation and it should not be viewed as a long-term option by those making decisions about the rights of people with NRPF.
Legislation regarding a local connection also brings another group of people to the Care Shelter; those deemed not to have a local connection to Edinburgh. We believe that people should have a choice about where they live and should be able to move between different local authorities. Edinburgh is a capital city and may well be a popular destination. With an already overstretched social housing system we understand concerns that the system would not cope. Hopefully a fairer system can be implemented that respects people’s right to choose where they live.
We are incredibly thankful for Diadem as a venue for the Care Shelter. As was noted in last year’s report, finding a fixed venue for the Care Shelter had been on our hearts and in our prayers for a number of years. The sanctuary space, the beds, the laundry for washing the bedding and the toilet and shower facilities are ideal for the Care Shelter. It is such a blessing to be able to use this building. The church is currently applying for a permanent change of use from City of Edinburgh Council for the building. All being well, the Care Shelter will be back at Diadem for 32 weeks next season. One misconception that came up a number of times this winter is the idea that it will become a permanent shelter, i.e. year long. This is not the intention at all, we have always seen it as a temporary night shelter, spanning the coldest months of the year. The length of the season has extended over the years, in line with the presenting need. The Care Shelter used to open with small numbers
46 “You guys always go over and above to help me. Thank you so much!”
of people, build up gradually towards Christmas and then drop off again towards spring. In recent years we have seen the Care Shelter full to capacity in the first couple of weeks and numbers actually rising towards the end of the season. We will keep responding to the need as we see it change but all future plans are for a seasonal shelter only.
As part of the Care Shelter’s provision of support and move-on advice, we hope to see CEC’s temporary accommodation services have a presence at the Care Shelter again. The example of the night shelter in Glasgow shows how effective it can be to have Housing Officers present to check people’s housing status, give advice and also to book people into available accommodation. Glasgow has a very different situation with temporary accommodation and it is recognised that the pressures on accommodation in Edinburgh might limit Housing Officers’ ability to get people into accommodation there and then. When Housing Officers attended the Care Shelter twice a week in 2017-2018 their presence helped to break down barriers with guests. The fact that the Council was making the effort to come to them, encouraged people to speak to them. Some people do not like presenting to offices or clinical environments but are happy to have a more informal chat at the Care Shelter. Some people struggle with waiting for a long time to be seen, something that also didn't happen at the Care Shelter. We hope that CEC will be able to find the resources needed to visit the Care Shelter to provide advice.
This winter saw some amazing conversations happening at the Care Shelter and throughout the report you will find stories of people helped and lives changed. It was a privilege to be part of this. The Care Shelter could not exist without so many people contributing in a huge variety of ways. So a big ‘thank you’ to churches for opening their doors to the Care Shelter, cooking meals, fundraising and generally supporting the Care Shelter year after year. A special thank you to Gorgie Dalry Stenhouse Church for giving the Care Shelter a home at Diadem, for the work to convert the building to the needs of the Shelter and to the individuals involved for all your hard work and commitment to see this dream realised. Thank you to all our volunteers; for the time you give, for buying the food, for putting your cooking skills to good use, for driving the minibus, for sorting clothing donations, for sharing our love for the guests we serve and for donating financially. Thank you to all our funders, whether donating big or small amounts you have all contributed and you make the Care Shelter possible. Thank you to those who donated items of warm clothing throughout the winter, to our skilled IT volunteers who built us a wonderful new registration system and to everyone who prays for the service, the staff and the individuals we support. We are very grateful to God for all he has done this year.
Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4: 11
Report prepared by James Milligan, Naomi Hanlon and Ruth Longmuir
“As long as I'm able to get a bed for the night then that keeps me a happy man.” 47
APPENDIX ▪ Care Shelter posters 1-4
50 “Thank you for listening to me tonight.”
“I'm happy, I'm warm here!” 51
52 “You're doing a cracking job!”
“You have been so kind to me!” 53