Mobile Justlife involves bringing our services to people experiencing homelessness, rather than asking them to come to us. This project came about following our recent research into Unsupported Temporary Accommodation, which brought to light even more UTAs in Greater Manchester housing hundreds of residents in need of support.
Residents confided in us about feeling isolated, having low levels of wellbeing, and a declining physical and mental health. Many felt limited in the support they could access, and all of the people we consulted wanted more support. Mobile Justlife was born out of this need and we now take our services to the properties people are living in. This has enabled more residents to access the support we provide, including:
We also collaborate with temporary accommodation landlords, who play a key part in providing the best possible support to residents. We work alongside them, supporting them in engaging with residents, and overcoming any issues that arise.
Justlife also coordinates a quarterly landlord forum where landlords can share ideas and insights with one another and leaders from the local council, working together to develop collective solutions.
The support provided by Justlife kept me sane because I'm able to keep my head above water.
Justlife client
They are a lifesaver, simple as”, “I was in trouble. Rents built up, they helped me with my benefits. When it comes to mental health, the suicidal thoughts went away…There are other subtle things. You tend to drink less because you have this routine in your life.
Justlife client
Our mobile Justlife model is a way of engaging those who can be difficult to reach. Visiting a new centre can be quite daunting when people don’t know what to expect. Some may not feel well, or able enough to walk to the drop-in locations.
Supporting people in the environment that they’re used to can make accessing support easier for them, and helps to build trust in our services that increases the likelihood of them engaging in the longer-term support we offer. These interactions, in the place they live in, could be the first step on their journey to addressing more complex needs.
During the COVID-19 crisis, we have shifted our focus from moving people out of UTA, towards supporting them to live there in a healthy, safe, and stable way. We’ve been meeting their immediate needs by:
Since February 2020, Justlife has conducted 246 visits to UTAs across Greater Manchester, supporting over 170 residents.
135 residents receive regular support including weekly deliveries of food and wellbeing packs.
1273 interventions, including 590 housing actions, have been taken on behalf of 70 residents.
