First Housing Aid and Support Services - Floating Support Families and Vulnerable Adults 18+ (Derry, Limavady, Strabane , Omagh &Enniskillen)

Floating Support Services:

This service aims to help individuals/ families who are homeless in their transition from temporary accommodation to permanent accommodation and support to people already living in their own accommodation who are finding it difficult to sustain/maintain their homes. To support individuals/ families who have or are experiencing the trauma of homelessness. To support individuals/ families with mental health issues, alcohol/ drug misuse and other difficulties which could lead to the breakdown of their accommodation. To encourage and promote independent living. Specialist Floating Support provision with alcohol/addictions provided in Strabane/Omagh and inclusive areas.

Our team works all over the Western Trust Area with families and vulnerable adults, helping with all manner of issues relating to housing.

Referral Forms can be downloaded below, and emailed to floatingsupportreferrals@first-housing.com (northwest region) or mariathompson@first-housing.com (Enniskillen). They can also be requested by telephone or email, details found in the Contacts section below

Harm Reduction Services:

Harm Reduction involves a range of support services and strategies to enhance the knowledge, skills, resources, and supports available for individuals who face issues with drugs & alcohol misuse. The service is aimed at supporting individuals to live safer and healthier lives, through minimising the risk involved in drug or alcohol use. Particularly for those who are not able or willing to consider abstinence or engage in structured treatment.

Harm reduction provided has a far reaching impact on the lives of service users. The support provided can be a lifeline for service users and that much needed link between themselves and other services.

• Support is available in the form of
• Advice and information on safer injecting
• Providing links with needle exchange programs
• Overdose Prevention
• Providing take home Naloxone
• Person centred support
• Facilitating support in areas such as housing, benefits & physical & mental health
• Providing advice and support accessing formal treatment

Harm Reduction referrals are made through NIHE/ other social housing providers, statutory and voluntary agencies, family members and self referrals and this should be done through our First Housing Floating Support Service.

A tailored support package will be provided in response to an assessment carried out by our Harm Reduction Worker, with the participation of the individual and other relevant agencies.

We can engage with individuals 18+, who are living within Limavady, Dungiven and the surrounding areas and these individuals are experiencing issues with drug and or alcohol misuse.

Contacts:

Older People's Service 55+ (Derry/Limavady and Strabane):  Anne Blee, Senior Floating Support Worker: anneblee@first-housing.com, 07725688194

Families/18+:   Andrew Browne Senior Floating Support Worker (Strabane/Omagh):  andrewbrowne@first-housing.com, 07739876993

Co-Ordinator Families /18+ ( Enniskillen):  Maria Thompson, mariathompson@first-housing.com, 07725688196

Harm Reduction Service (Limavady / Strabane):  Tina North,  tinanorth@first-housing.com,  07736486296