Support/Advice Workers - Initiatives and Protocol

 

Access Panel

The Access Panel was established to assess cases of serial exclusion from frontline hostels. The Panel makes pragmatic and innovative recommendations (where possible) to identify, organise and facilitate access or re-access to appropriate services through provision of appropriate packages of care and support. This enables vulnerable and serially excluded people to be housed and assisted. Access Panel will also refer to the Falling Through The Net scheme through the HUB service if necessary.It serves to collectively advocate for the development of specialist provision, where the need has been identified, to support people with complex health and social needs.

The Access Panel also discusses frontline strategy recommendations and provides operational feedback to assist the Frontline Strategy Group in decision making. It assists and supports the Frontline Strategy Group in the implementation of strategic decisions at an operational level and makes recommendations to, and considers recommendations from, the Frontline Strategy Group. Importantly the Panel plays a significant role in Cardiff's strategy for homeless people through good communication with the Frontline Strategy Group.

Joint Working Protocols

Following a multi-agency Frontline Strategy Group meeting (which has responsibility for co-ordinating Cardiff's frontline homelessness services) in December 2003, it was agreed that working arrangements should be implemented between all members of the Frontline Strategy Group.

The ultimate aims of the working arrangements are:

  • To further enhance working relationships between Frontline Providers
  • To facilitate improved access to Frontline Provision for people who are rough sleeping
  • To ensure that service users have access to the most suitable type of accommodation to suit their needs
  • To prevent exclusions wherever possible
  • To facilitate appropriate and timely access into statutory homelessness services, social services and health care provision

Frontline Strategy Group Members:

  • Cardiff Council - representing HANR Outreach Services, Homeless Process Unit, Housing Strategy & Tresillian House
  • Cardiff and The Vale NHS Trust - representing the Primary Healthcare Team
  • Cardiff YMCA Housing Association
  • Huggard - representing hostel and day centre
  • Salvation Army - representing Ty Gobaith, Emergency Bed Coordinator and Bus Project
  • South Wales Police - representing Neighbourhood Policing Teams
  • The Wallich - representing the Breakfast Run, Night-Shelter and Sir Julian Hodge Centre