First 6 months - a reflection

Although the HRSN has been in existence for a few years, I wanted to spend some time to reflect on my first 6 months as Strategic Lead for the HRSN.

It has been an amazing opportunity to serve those organisations supporting those experiencing homelessness in our city, and more importantly the wonderful and dedicated people that make up those organisations.

This funded role has enabled dedicated time to put in the infrastructure to support the network, and connect in to the networks around it. At a time where resources are increasingly under pressure creating spaces where we can come together; share learning, resources and knowledge; and indeed just to connect and support each other seems more important than ever.

This role has coincided with Justlife establishing the new Justlife Hub - hosting the HRSN and other interagency events and meetings - providing valuable meeting space to support the Network and our activities.

Here are the key highlights from the last 6 months:

• With thanks to our private sector partners in this venture we are building this very website that’s hosting this blog along with many other (hopefully) useful resources and information. Our hope is that this becomes the virtual ‘noticeboard’ for anyone working to address homelessness in the city.

• Themed HRSN Events:

  • Workforce Recruitment Development & Retention

  • Networking Brunch

  • Improving Outcomes for People with Multiple Compound Needs

• CEO Group meeting (with more hopefully to come).

• And then there are the off-shoot groups that we’re gathering that are also open to others in the sector through groups such as: HOF; B&H Frontline Network; B&H Street Support; Homeless Research Forum; and Practice Network in E&W Sussex.

  • Homelessness Sector Book Group.

  • Workforce Development and Psychological Safety Groups.

Some plans for the next 6 months:

• To continue developing this website and its resources.

• Establish the Workforce Development and Psychologically Safety Groups.

  • This will connect in other work in the sector in these areas.

• April - hosting an all day event with BHCC in collaboration with Homeless Operational Forum (HOF), B&H Frontline Network and B&H Street Support.

• Work with the HRSN and its members to agree areas of priority for the Network.

• Support to the Homelessness Fund through Sussex Community Foundation.

It’s been a busy few months and we wouldn’t have achieved all we have thus far without the support from our private sector partners, and the enthusiasm and willingness to engage from those working across the sector.

Kate Standing - Networks Manager, Justlife