Providing Sustainable Homes Lack of appropriate and affordable housing is consistently identified as a contributing cause for relapse. Current housing options are limited by both finances and suitability. Neither of these factors are conducive to long term resettlement and recovery. Following the success of our pilot housing programme, in May 2014 St John’s Approved Premises launched Compass, offering supported housing for those vulnerable Residents eligible to live within the Leeds area. Working in partnership with local authorities, private landlords, and housing providers, we have developed a scheme that breaks down some of the barriers preventing Residents from being able to access suitable accommodation. In January 2021 Compass opened our services to female clients and has proven highly successful and needed within the city. Compass St John’s aims to work holistically with serval key local agencies including Leeds City Council, Probation Service, Together Women Project, CMHT and Forward Leeds.
Referral FAQ Who Can Refer We accept referrals from any agency working with a suitable client. We do require specific information regarding the client’s risk.
Who Can Be Referred Any person on probation providing they do not have an arson conviction as a current or past offence.
Referral Process Once we have received a completed referral form, management assess the referral, completing our own risk assessment of the client. This may include asking for further risk information to be sent to our secure email addresses. If the client is deemed suitable, then we proceed to the interview stage.
Interview Stage Interviews take place at safe and secure environments that the client is comfortable with. The interview involves asking as series of questions to ascertain the client’s needs.
Finding a Suitable Address From information gained at the interview, a suitable address is found for the client. This address is given to relevant agencies for approval before it is discussed with the client.
Viewings Once the address has been approved, we take the client to view the property. If they decline the property, we return to the “Finding a Suitable Address” stage. If the client accepts the address, we agree a move in date with relevant agencies, and their prospective Compass St Johns support worker.
Moving In We will pick up clients and their personal belongings on the day of move. At the move we ensure that all paperwork is completed including the licence to occupy and all utilities are registered. The client will also be shown how to use the appliances, where the fuse box is and what to do in the unlikely result of an emergency.
Support The clients support worker will then commence visiting the client at their address on a weekly basis. Support begins with expectations and setting boundaries, as well as goal setting. Support activities extend beyond the property itself, including but not limited to; accompanying to other appointments, shopping, mood diaries, budget plans.
Successful Move on Clients can reside with Compass St Johns for as long as is needed, however the client must be working towards moving on from Compass St Johns. This can be done with the help from your Support Worker in the way of bidding for council properties or eventually seeking private rent.
