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...]
The Outcome of Support
Amy* joined the Opportunity Nottingham project in 2016. As part of the process when a Beneficiary joins the project, a NDT Assessment (Risk Index Score) is completed. A score over 30 is deemed very chaotic, and Amy’s assessment resulted in a score of 32. However, after just six months of being a Beneficiary on the Opportunity Nottingham project, Amy’s Risk Index Score has reduced to 7. In order to achieve this, an Opportunity Nottingham Personal Development Coordinator has worked very closely with Amy, providing intensive and carefully planned support. Amy has a … [Read more...]
In Memory of a Beneficiary
Jimmy Healy is a name that many working within the context of multiple needs in Nottingham City will know, but perhaps not all will know his full journey. Very difficult circumstances in his childhood and a spell in jail, saw Jimmy leave his native Glasgow in his early twenties for a ‘fresh start’ in Nottingham. However, alone and with little or no money, his life was to take a difficult route. Over a period of 40 years he would experience homelessness, substance misuse, hundreds of convictions and a significant amount of time in prison. Jimmy was referred to … [Read more...]
From Chaos to Employment
David* became a Beneficiary of the project in autumn 2016. His initial assessment took place in hospital after a referral was made to Opportunity Nottingham via a member of the hospital team. He had been admitted to hospital due to overdosing on medication and alcohol. Despite significant concerns about his health, David began to improve, and focus turned to the need for 1-2-1 support upon his discharge from hospital. David had a history of drinking which ultimately caused him to lose his job and also over time, saw the breakdown of his family. He felt his … [Read more...]