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Learn Direct

Hertsmere Homeless Project came into being on September 1st, 1997.

The project serves Hertsmere as a whole including Borehamwood, Potters Bar, South Mimms, Shenley, Radlett and parts of Bushey. The project has two members of staff, a Project Co-ordinator and a Development Worker.

The nature of our clients homelessness problems are varied. Many of the young people that the project works with are homeless rather than roofless, although rough sleeping in Hertsmere is on the increase. Many clients are virtually invisible for national statistical purposes, particularly if they stay on friend’s floors and only seek help once they have been asked to leave. Others clients are forced to leave when their parents are no longer willing to accommodate them. Many come to the project as a result of family breakdown, debt, substance misuse, abuse or neglect.

The lack of privately rented affordable accommodation in the borough is a major issue and often many clients are unable to raise the necessary deposit.

The main services the project provides are:

  • Face to Face Client Work:
    This involves making an initial assessment, exploring the clients housing needs and options, and also looking at both the financial implications as well as the life skills a client will need to have in order to be successful if they are to live independently.

We offer both budgeting and life skills training as well as resettlement advice and continued support.

  • Advocacy Work:

    The project staff work closely with clients and are able to advise and advocate on their behalf. When necessary they liaise with the D.S.S., the Benefits Agency and both statutory and voluntary housing providers. In cases involving younger clients that the project feels are vulnerable, this may involve working with Social Services.

  • Preventative Work:

    Hertsmere Homeless Project has developed an outreach package which focuses on homelessness and it’s prevention. From September 1998 onwards it will be presented by a member of the project’s staff to any school, college, youth group or community group in Hertsmere and surrounding areas that requests it.

  • Multi-Agency Work:

    Being based in the Worknet Centre provides the ideal environment for multi-agency work. As well as accommodating the Hertsmere Homeless Project, the centre also houses the Careers service, the Youth Service, the Youth Enquiry Shop, Mind and a whole host of careers and guidance workers. This facilitates joint working between agencies.

Hertsmere Homeless Project


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