Justlife’s Social Connection project pairs someone moving away from homelessness with a volunteer who supports them in overcoming social barriers,isolation and loneliness.
The project consists of a team of volunteers who meet one-to-one with clients and do an activity of their choice, whether that's going for a walk, trying something new or just going for a coffee and a chat.
Clients are encouraged to meet new people, spend time together, share experiences, and join in with community activities.
We also run a peer support group that meets regularly at a local venue to provide a space for clients to meet people, support each each other and have a laugh.
Even when individuals find themselves in more secure accommodation, the isolation and social barriers that existed when they were homeless can persist long after they’ve been rehomed.
For those that have been homeless for a long time, adjusting to life in a new home can be challenging, so it’s important to continue supporting people as they acclimatise to a new way of living.
Community-focused, relationship-building projects such as Social Connection decrease the risk of people returning to homelessness by addressing the barriers they face to living a healthy, stable and safe lifestyle. Our outcomes include:
My volunteer helps me talk about my panic attacks, she listens to me, and is understanding, we talk about ideas which might help me.
Social Connection client
I’m not on my own, somebody cares enough to call me.
Social Connection client
due to regular contact
as a result of the connections they made through the project
