I find these events invaluable for keeping up to date with services and priorities in the city – Thanks for hosting and keep up the good work!!”
- Frontline worker
Our Frontline Network gives workers in the homelessness sector a space to work through the key issues affecting them and the people they support, and a way to connect with the wider community of organisations tackling homelessness. We coordinate regular meetups where people can engage in workshops, discussions, resource sharing and networking.
The Brighton & Hove frontline network is part of a national network organised by St.Martin in the Fields.
Recent activities from the Network have ranged from virtual coffee break catch ups, to meetings between frontline staff and the local Rough Sleeping and Single Homelessness Commissioning Team to discuss strategic priorities for the City.
In April 2022, the Network organised a week of in-person activities and discussions including sessions on supporting dog owners and people on the autism spectrum, as well as some more light-hearted activities such as art workshops.
In June 2022, the Network partnered with Arch Healthcare, a specialist homeless surgery, in hosting a Homeless Health Conference with almost 150 attendees.
In 2022-23 the Network will continue to create points of connection for workers across the city of Brighton & Hove through its Monthly E-Newsletter and hosting in-person events where workers can learn, share ideas and discuss a range of topics.
In addition to topic areas identified from workers, the Network is focusing on the following themes:
Contact kate@justlife.org.uk if you would like to find out more or get involved.
Better sector partnerships between workers to drive improved, and more joined up support for people experiencing homelessness in the city
Upskilling the sector with skills and knowledge to enable a flexible approach to delivering services to those with multiple and complex needs
Exploring frontline worker led approaches to homelessness
Enabling frontline workers to have a voice and input into strategic decisions being made by the local authority
Supporting the wellbeing of frontline workers while they face the challenges of today’s support and accommodation environment
I have found largely that what is working well is human relationships. We are working within systems that are not clear, difficult to use and it is the power of human relationships that enables us to work collaboratively with our clients
- Frontline worker
Giving people with lived experience of homelessness a voice to improve homeless health services
Supporting people experiencing homelessness to take care of their mental and physical health
A befriending project for people moving away from homelessness
