Rough sleepers with additional complex needs, and those at risk of rough sleeping.
Referrals are accepted from any agency in Leeds that are supporting people who meet our criteria:
Individuals also need to meet the HARM criteria (experience Homelessness, Addiction (substance and/or alcohol use), Re-offending or at risk of re-offending, Mental ill health that is current and acute).
Referral forms can be sent directly to the Team Leader: Gemma Humphries
Housing Navigators work in a person-centred way, developing strong relationships with the people they support to help them sustain secure and safe accommodation. The team engage people on a regular basis to build rapport and trust, working in a proactive and creative way to reduce any barriers that people may face and respond to the needs of the individuals they work with. They work in a trauma informed way, which allows them to understand the impact that trauma may have on an individual and how this will impact on their journey to recovery.
Working closely in partnership with other services the Navigators support people to access services and interventions they need to build their resilience, gain confidence and acquire the personal and social assets they need to move forward. Housing Navigators are a key component of the Safer Leeds Street Support team. Partnership working with other services enables the partnership to achieve positive outcomes for people.
"Barca Navigators play an absolutely crucial role in supporting some of the most vulnerable and complex people in the city who have experienced street homelessness. The Navigators work intensively with clients to ensure that they remain in their accommodation and ultimately do not return to rough sleeping."
- Leeds City Council Commissioner
Ben was supported by Kate, a Barca Housing Navigator. They met when he was homeless, sleeping in empty properties and his mum's shed. In this video, Ben shares his story and the journey he has taken to have his own property and be mentally and financially stable.
Read a transcript for Ben's Story.
The service is continuously looking to develop and improve the support we provide. Within the team there are a number of Navigators who have a specialist area of knowledge or expertise and act as Service Champions, providing advice and information to other members of the team.
Some of the Champion areas within the team are:
For more information on the service, please email Gemma Humphries (Team Leader).
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Ben shares his story of being homeless to finding support and getting settled into his home
