Tony came to CATH in 2005 following a breakdown in his relationship with his partner due to his alcohol misuse.
He was found sleeping rough by police and after a trip to hospital referred to CATH's CART team where he was interviewed, risk assessed and referred to the Crispin House where he was supported and advised by staff on how to address his drinking.
Through this support Tony brought his drinking under control and remained stable in a safe and supported environment.
Tony was offered a place at Roodee House where he did very well and soon progressed to a move on house to further develop his independence and skills. But he began drinking very heavily again, returned to Roodee house and was eventually asked to leave as his drinking dependency increased.
Despite ongoing support and a place at Crispin House but he continued to drink heavily.
But CATH staff don't give up. Slowly and with much support he began to reduce his alcohol intake again.
He was referred to Touchstones and was accepted. He is now alcohol free and living in his own private rented flat.
CART manager Pauline Craughwell said: "Tony's story is a typical one within CATH. The journey to recovery can be a lengthy and unpredictable one which need ongoing and sustained support.
"Crispin House is a vital starting point and our proactive service in helps to reduce the rough sleeping figures and prevent homeless people from becoming entrenched.
"One of our core functions is as a point of contact for other agencies. At the same time we meet the basic needs of shelter, warmth and food - which is what many of the clients are in dire need of when they first arrive to CATH."
Rough sleeper and alcohol-dependent Peter struggled with literacy when he first found his way to CATH. He didn't want to take a literacy assessment but was keen to try his hand at IT – even though it was something he'd never tried before.
From the moment he learned to turn the computer on he became a devotee of technology. He'd said he was interested in learning sign language and quickly learned to surf the net to find out more.
With the support of CATH's tutor John Buchanan, he quickly gained confidence in IT, set up his own email and made contact with the British Sign Language Society – and was soon enrolled on a sign language course.
Through the signing lessons his confidence in his own literacy skills are rapidly increasing and he's a regular visitor to the Harold Tomlins Centre where he continues to make the most of the education facilities.
Tutor John Buchanan said: "Because CATH adopts a holistic approach, we were able to help him increase his own confidence through learning new skills while other members of the team provided the practical and ongoing support he needed in other parts of his life.
"He's now living at Roodee House and going through drug and alcohol rehabilitation at Aqua House.
"While Peter claims it was IT that saved his life, it's actually a combination of the full range of nurturing services in the supportive environment provided by CATH to tackle all areas that has led to such a dramatic change in Peter, who is now much more settled, healthier and happier."
We provide a variety of accommodation
Our Contact, Assessment and Resettlement Team (CART) will advise individuals on the best places to go to for specific support and information as well as providing practical support.
The Harold Tomlins Day Centre provides food, warmth and shelter. It has its own small medical suite to give access to health services, plus an education suite as well as showers and laundry facilities
CART plays a pivotal role in the effectiveness and success of CATH by seeking out people in need of help (contact), working out what help they need (assessment) and supporting their search for appropriate accommodation or moving on (resettlement).
Team members will often be the first point of contact for homeless people and the first step in the process of rebuilding lives. They work on a one-to-one basis with clients to find solutions to their specific problems and meet individual needs.
CART doesn't operate in isolation. It also works closely with other agencies, including drug and alcohol support, the Probation Service and local authorities, to provide joined-up support for clients.
CART's services are available to all homeless people – residents, visitors to the Harold Tomlins Day Centre and rough sleepers.
As well as providing help and advice, CART can also provide practical support through its clothing and furniture store.
Call 01244 340830 to speak to a member of CART.
Education is central to helping people rebuild their lives and find new opportunities. The Harold Tomlins Centre has a large computer suite which is staffed by an education manager and volunteers.
Support can be given in learning and developing basic skills like numeracy and literacy, as well as IT training.
CATH's Floating Support team works closely with clients once they have secured a private tenancy to ensure they can maintain and sustain it. This includes visiting them in their news homes, trying to identify potential problems before they turn into issues and finding solutions.
The Harold Tomlins Centre provides a drop-in facility for anyone in need of support. Visitors can have a hot drink and a meal, a place to sit and chat and seek help from staff.
CATH's Rent Deposit Scheme is a scheme designed to help both clients and landlords by providing up to £300 as a deposit for single people moving into private rented accommodation, as well as helping the tenant with their Housing Benefit claim if it's needed.
In addition, CATH staff will continue to offer support to the tenant to minimise future problems during the tenancy.
Landlords interested in joining the scheme and offering accommodation to homeless single people must offer accommodation which meets property fitness and safety standards, take tenants on a low income and be prepared to work with CATH to resolve any problems.
Applicants must be
The scheme has a vested interest in ensuring tenants taking part are considered are likely to sustain a tenancy without claims being made upon the Rent Deposit Scheme.
Landlords are expected to manage the tenancy and remain responsible for cash contributions towards rent (where applicable, e.g., not covered by housing benefit) and ensure, where possible, that other bills (water, gas, electric, etc) are being paid for.
Ongoing and additional support is available for all those resettled through the Rent Deposit Scheme and clients are encouraged to make use of this service.
In addition, landlords are expected to be fair and reasonable, treating the tenant with respect and accepting that deposits are designed to protect against damage or loss over and above reasonable wear and tear.
Landlords must allow CATH staff to view the property in advance, and are expected to provide or accept a standard six-month Assured Shorthold Tenancy, which can be extended or renewed. Landlords are asked to accept four weeks written notice from the tenant should they wish to leave before the end of the tenancy.
Landlords are asked to accept the deposit in CATH's name and return it at the end of the tenancy.
The scheme will ensure, where applicable, that housing benefit claims are completed quickly and accurately.
The deposits are up to a maximum of £300. This does not include or cover rent in advance, outstanding bills or any admin charges.
The deposit covers theft from property, damage, and excessive cleaning costs. All reasonable claims will be considered.
Landlords are requested to:
For more information please call CART 01244 340830 from 9:00 to 4:30pm.
