Nottingham Trent University (NTU) is the local evaluation partner for Opportunity Nottingham, and Graham Bowpitt, Reader in Social Policy at NTU, leads on this work. … [Read more...]
Trapped in the “hamster wheel of homelessness” – a blog by Lee
I’d had a difficult time for quite a few years which ended up with a short period in prison. I knew I would be homeless when I came out, but I didn’t get any help. The screws were all too busy dealing with the day to day business of the prison to help with accommodation. So, on release I spent 17 weeks on the street. At this time, I had no income. I couldn’t get benefits as I was waiting for a medical. I kept on going to my local council - which was Gedling - for help with housing. But in the past due to the difficulties in my life I had built up £2,000 rent … [Read more...]
Homeless: more than a third of people leaving prison say they have nowhere to go
A report on homelessness and prison by Graham Bowpitt (Associate Professor in Social Policy, Nottingham Trent University). Imagine for a moment you’re being released from prison after a 12-month sentence for theft. You’re clean, off drugs, it’s been tough, but you’re looking forward to starting a new life. You leave prison and head to the nearest probation service to find out where you’re going to live. Only to find out there’s nowhere for you to go. And you’ll be spending your first night out of a cell on the streets – with only your clothes from prison to … [Read more...]
A Beneficiary Journey
Prior to experiencing multiple needs, Ben* had a full-time job and supported his family. A very traumatic event in his past has been identified as one of the key triggers for his journey towards multiple needs. Ben was referred to the Opportunity Nottingham Project in late summer 2016. The referral was made by Framework Housing Association’s Street Outreach Team in Nottingham City. Ben had been rough sleeping for over two years, with the exception of short periods of time in the winter months where B&B accommodation was accessed. At the point of referral, … [Read more...]
Deonne joins the ON Team!
I recently joined the Opportunity Nottingham Team as a Beneficiary Ambassador, and I will be working alongside current Beneficiary Ambassadors Sandra, Rob and Lee. I bring lived experience to the role and have experience in accessing services and seeking support. I have previously volunteered as an Expert Citizen and worked closely with the Opportunity Nottingham team in a variety of roles, including as a Peer Researcher. This involved meeting with Beneficiaries and discussing their journey towards multiple and complex needs, and also their experiences whilst being … [Read more...]