Housing First West Dunbartonshire, a council service that helps adults with complex needs get and keep their own homes, was praised by the Care Inspectorate following an unannounced inspection earlier this summer.
Inspectors rated the service very good across all four categories: supporting people’s wellbeing, leadership, staff and planning of care and support.
The service supports people who have been homeless or are at risk of losing their homes, including those dealing with addiction, mental health issues and links to the criminal justice system.
Inspectors spoke to staff, service users and family members.
They found strengths in the care provided and the positive results achieved.
Service users gave positive feedback, saying staff helped them keep their homes.
Support is tailored to each person and changes if their circumstances do, with help lasting until it is no longer needed.
Staff help with budgeting, paying bills and cleaning, and encourage people to look after their health and use services like harm reduction.
So far, 74 people have moved into permanent housing through the service.
Some have gone on to find jobs or voluntary work.
Staff said they valued regular supervision and support.
They added that it gave them chances to talk about service users’ progress, agree changes, discuss training and work together in team meetings.
Convener of Housing and Communities, Councillor Gurpreet Singh Johal, said: “This incredibly positive Care Inspectorate report reflects the hard work which members of the housing team undertake to support people in challenging circumstances to maintain a tenancy.
“Having a secure home is an excellent basis to allow someone to deal with complex issues and the support provided through Housing First has clearly helped get people back on their feet.”
Vice Convener of Housing and Communities, Councillor Hazel Sorrell, said: “I am delighted to hear about this fabulous report from the Care Inspectorate.
“It is brilliant to hear about the positive impact the service is having on people’s lives thanks to the care, dedication and effort that staff put in every day.”
