Based in Croydon, this service supports 60 single people up to 65 years of age with a range of complex needs including experience of homelessness or rough sleeping, substance misuse and/or mental ill health.
In the last year:
of customers who needed to establish contact with family and friends did so
of customers who needed to maximise their income did so
of customers who needed to improve management of their physical health did so
People are referred to Palmer House by the London Borough of Croydon, and usually stay for up to two years. Accommodation is mainly shared flats, with some studios. There is a secure women-only floor, and some flats are available for people who are abstinent. There is also a communal lounge, kitchen and garden.
When customers move in we put them at the centre of decisions about their support, including by choosing their support worker and the times of 1:1 sessions. We focus on encouraging people to identify their own strengths, and by extension their own goals and route into independence.
We help customers to strengthen independent living skills like cooking, managing their health, developing routine and fostering positive relationships. Our Health and Wellbeing team deliver mental health support, and therapeutic activities such as art workshops and mindfulness sessions are available. A customer-led Women’s Group provides a safe forum to discuss sensitive topics, and our Rent and Income Advisors provide finance-related support on things like paying rent, budgeting and maximising income.
Our work at Palmer House is delivered in partnership with local health services and specialist agencies. An Alcohol Nurse from Turning Point is based on site four days a week, providing extra support and offering a medical contact point before A and E.
Education, training and employment support is tailored to individual circumstances. This support includes advice, and signposting to adult learning courses or employment opportunities. Customers are also supported to look at any underlying barriers to this, such as physical or mental health needs that can result result from rough sleeping. This work is supported by weekly drop in sessions run by Job Centre Plus. Once people are ready to move on, we work with them on tenancy sustainment skills and finding independent accommodation.
To find out how you could support Palmer House, read more here.
I’ve met a lot of different people and challenged myself with things I haven’t done before. Volunteering has reminded me of the skills I have; which can also be developed and help me move forward.
Patricia, a customer of Palmer House and volunteering with Evolve
