PERSON FIRST: EMERGENCY SERVICES and REHABILITATION SUPPORTS promoting accessibility - improving e-quality - reinforcing net-working

<< Background >>The project was developed to address the gaps in services provided to homeless individuals, particularly those with mental health issues. Despite the availability of social and health services, a significant number of homeless people, especially those with mental health conditions, remain on the streets rather than accessing the offered solutions. The project aimed to examine if the available interventions are adequately integrated, accessible, respectful of dignity, and sustainable. The project, grounded in research and action, also sought to facilitate better collaboration among social and health workers and improve access to services for this marginalised population.<< Objectives >>The primary objective of the project was to improve access to and the quality of services provided to homeless individuals, particularly those with mental health issues. The project aimed to create better collaboration and networking among social and health workers in public and private sectors, enabling them to meet the needs of homeless individuals where they are.Specific goals included:●Facilitating access to services by homeless individuals and improving the integration of social and health services.●Promoting collaboration among professionals to develop innovative and sustainable solutions to prevent the chronicity of social and health issues.●Building capacities through international and intersectoral exchanges, and sharing best practices across various European regions.●Involving civil society, including policymakers and citizens, to address homelessness as a societal issue.●Creating lasting impacts by fostering continuous learning and establishing networks that will continue to promote social inclusion beyond the project's completion<< Implementation >>The project implemented several key activities aimed at improving services for homeless individuals, particularly those with mental health issues. These included:Study visits: Three study visits to different European countries, focusing on various aspects of homelessness services, such as social assistance, health/mental health services, and housing services. These visits allowed participants to observe, learn, and exchange ideas about the services being offered in different contexts.Workshops and Seminars: Following the study visits, workshops and a small seminar were held to encourage deep exchanges about service provision methodologies, challenges, and innovative solutions. The goal was to collect insights and develop a common approach for improving services.Profiling and Reporting: Each partner collected profiles and narratives of homeless individuals and the services they used, focusing on accessibility, quality, congruence, and sustainability. These profiles were compiled into a final report summarising the findings and recommendations for future service improvements.Webinars: Webinars were organised to further analyse the profiles collected by each partner, fostering deeper discussion on accessibility and quality of services.Events and Conferences: These events served as platforms for disseminating project findings and engaging with policymakers and stakeholders.Networking and Capacity Building: Throughout the project, the focus was on building networks and facilitating collaboration among social and health workers, NGOs, and public institutions to ensure sustainable improvements in homelessness services across Europe<< Results >>Publications:Person First: Towards Integrated and Person-Centred Services for Homeless People book, capturing best practices and key lessons. Reports and articles published on platforms like the HIVA website, and partner networks, ensuring wide dissemination of findings. The project have been submitted to EPALE and are pending publication.Training and Capacity Building:Enhanced skills and knowledge among social workers, health professionals, and housing providers through study visits, workshops, and webinars.Development of training materials and guides, which were integrated into educational programs and volunteer training.Integrated Service Models:Implementation of person-centered, integrated care models across partner organizations, improving service delivery for homeless individuals with mental health issues.Networking and Collaboration:Establishment of transnational networks among professionals from nine European countries, fostering ongoing collaboration and exchange of best practices.Policy Advocacy:Contribution to discussions on homelessness and social inclusion at the European level, including the Lisbon Declaration, influencing policy and advocacy efforts.