In the last 6 years of operation, the Night Shelter has not always been able to attain the level of support and progression for its residents that has been demanded of it. In 2005/6 the Nightshelter was criticised by Brighton and Hove City Council and deemed as not strategically relevant for the homeless in the City by staff in the Supporting People Monitoring and Evaluation unit. As a result the funding for the running of the Night Shelter was withdrawn.

The MiPods will be a temporary living environment for a total of 20 men and women on a 24/7 basis. The service offered would help residents transition from homelessness to more permanent supported accommodation such as a hostel or flat. It is envisaged that residents would need a stay of just a few weeks. Their stay would give them a critical personal break or respite from the rigours of life outside and an opportunity to find their selves again and gather the support they need. With the help of our staff residents would get access and links into support provision with professional and statutory agencies as appropriate either locally, nationally or in the resident’s home locality. 

Referral Criteria and Agencies – male and female street homeless; access to public funds; direct access; risk and needs assessed for suitability; external referral agency (if RSSST) as per agreed SLA and in accordance with St Patrick’s 3 phase accommodation pathway.

Environment – self-contained units for sleeping; daytime ‘day centre’ model located in the current TV room for the Night Shelter, and in the gymnasium area which can be divided by a screen. By locating the ‘Sleepods’ within the main ground floor area the Trust will save on staff costs as monitoring for health, safety and security will be via the Night Shift based at Reception.

Customer Goals – access move on accommodation within timescale; link in with re-location (if no appropriate local connection); engage with key worker daily; attend appointments necessary for move on accommodation, re-location, work and learning opportunities, and take up of meaningful occupation including leisure pursuits.

Support Model – support planning model on a reduced scale; daily check ins with nominated or ‘on shift’ key worker; weekly review of goals; personal file updated daily; resettlement assessment for those identified as suitable for hostel. Length of support will be a maximum of 40 days allowing those with no local connection and ability to afford local private rents, a chance to re-locate.

Staffing – a team of multi-skilled key workers on 24 hour shift basis.