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Bridging the Gap

Bridging the Gap

Bridging the Gap

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

At the Frontline Network, we engage with all frontline workers who support people experiencing homelessness.

But what about statutory frontline workers?

Initial findings from our latest Frontline Worker survey (set to be released in May 2020), show that fewer statutory frontline workers are registered with the Frontline Network, compared to frontline workers in other sectors.

This is despite statutory frontline workers having, on average, a higher caseload than other frontline workers across the UK.

Donna Willison, Coordinator of the Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde Frontline Network, has highlighted how and why frontline workers from statutory services can benefit from the great opportunities here at the Frontline Network:

“Although statutory services are recognised as established institutions; through our network meetings it has become more apparent that employees from these services may also feel, at times, marginalised, dis-empowered and under-resourced.”

 

Blackpool Wyre and Fylde Frontline Network

Blackpool Wyre and Fylde Frontline Network is leading the way in creating positive multi-agency working relationships, which helps all frontline workers find the best way to help the individuals they support.

A central focus in their work is to create links and build working relationships with frontline workers from agencies new to the Frontline Network.

Statutory services such as DWP and Adult Social Care have forged strong relationships with the Frontline Network in Blackpool Wyre and Fylde. Additionally, Housing Options and Lancashire Care Foundation Trust are now participating in many Frontline Network events and are making use of the resource and funding opportunities available to them.

 

Statutory Frontline Worker benefits from Shadowing Fund

Recently, the Frontline Network met with Blackpool's Adult Social Care team, to discuss better collaborative working practice. As a result, a member of the Adult Social Care team has successfully applied to the Frontline Network's shadowing fund.

This statutory frontline worker had been working with hoarders in Blackpool, and wanted to improve their ability to support individuals with hoarding.

He had identified a peer group event, which brings together frontline workers to discuss the barriers around hoarding, and highlight the opportunities and examples of best practice.

As a result of this shadowing experience, the Adult Social Care team have developed a best practice assessment hoarding tool, which we were pleased to see presented at the Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde Frontline Network conference this year.

 

Universal Credit Networking Focus Group

Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde Frontline Network also regularly host ‘Universal Credit Networking Focus Group’ meetings. The aim of this group meeting is for frontline workers to discuss issues around UC, to seek solutions and to create and maintain positive links with all services in the area.

Details of the most recent meeting can be found here, where DWP representatives presented an overview of the new roles being created within the Jobcentre Plus, which seeks to provide more specialist support for people experiencing homelessness.

Barriers to accessing Universal Credit, caused by difficulties opening bank accounts were also discussed, with the aim of developing a project which will address the issues faced.

Working with statutory agencies reflects the increasing desire, and buy-in, for multi-agency and collaborative working by frontline workers across statutory and non-statutory services.

 

Are you registered to the Frontline Network?

Are you a frontline worker working in statutory services?

Have you explored the many resources and funding opportunities available for you, here at the Frontline Network? 

Register to become a member of the Frontline Network. Registration is completely free. 

If you have any queries about the many ways in which the Frontline Network can support statutory frontline workers, please do not hesitate to email: frontline@stmartinscharity.org.uk.

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