A great start to a great project

In March Derby City Mission launched Safe Space, a service providing entrenched rough sleepers with a ‘safe space’ to get help and support in the day and to be temporarily accommodated overnight. DCM is working in partnership with the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office (OPPC), Public Health England, Derby Homes and East Midlands Ambulance Service to deliver Safe Space.

 

Within its first 6 weeks of operation, 1,500 separate visits were made to Safe Space by 36 different individuals and 23% of these guests have been found a housing solution. Praise the Lord!

One of the 12 DCM team members commented,

I’ve just come to the end of my first full shift. We have had laughs, we have had tantrums, we had 'didn't plan for that' moments and we have seen God move to encourage individuals that haven't engaged with services for years. Here's to the next shift, but first it's time for a rest to recharge!

 

When Safe Space DCM Core Team Manager Sandra Dawkins asked the team how they felt about the project, comments were very positive.

They all said it doesn’t feel like a job, more a calling from God.  They have such a passion for the homeless and have already witnessed positive changes in some guests.  It is really encouraging that we are building relationships with our guests to give them the confidence to move on.

Outcomes so far have included encouraging a guest to take a shower which was harder than it sounds!  Initially, he would simply sleep all day.  After a few weeks of encouragement, he took a shower and agreed to get his clothes washed.  Recently he allowed a staff member to cut his hair, even a police officer commented on well he looked!  He is now talking about ‘moving on’ as his ultimate goal is to see his children again and have his own home.

 

Partners are happy too as Sarita Adams, from the OPCC remarked,

Derby City Mission have been an active, supportive and problem-solving partner on all of the journey so far, ever willing to accommodate new ideas and offer up practical solutions. Working together alongside other partners, they have helped make the Safe Space a largely peaceful place amidst the chaos of peoples’ lives. I feel very proud of the team for what they have achieved so far.