 |
Annual Report: 1997
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| West London Initiative on Single Homelessness |
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CHRISTMAS ROOF
In conjunction with Jesus House
In conjunction with Jesus House, WISH set up and ran a temporary shelter
on North Acton offering 24 hour accommodation to the single homeless population
in West London. The Roof provided over 240 bed space nights, more than
8,000 cups of tea and served in excess of 3,500 hot meals. Other services
included clothing, hot showers, live and televised entertainment, arts
and crafts, hairdressing and various healthcare services. Perhaps what
was most appreciated by our guests was the peaceful, friendly and non-threatening
environment.
Guest Profile
Guests ranged in age from 18 to 70 years. The average age was 43. 91% were
male and 9% female. 79% were British. Guests spent an average of 4 days
at the roof, 76% staying the night. Previously 40% had been sleeping rough
snf 14% had spent the previous night in a hostel. 41 (80%) guests received
over-the-counter medication. First aiders, nurses and doctors handed out
33 doses of paracetamol; 26 doses of antacid as well as cough syrup, lemsips
and karvol capsules. 8 (15%) were prescribed prescription-only drugs, mainly
antibiotics and 15 (29%) received non-drug treatment such as dressings,
support bandages and physiotherapy.
Many guests had problems that needed follow-up. Two were accepted into
rehabilitation following alcohol detoxification whilst a third guest could
not be found a place. Several others would have liked to go into rehabilitation
had more spaces been available. Three guests were referred to hospital,
but none required admission; two received treatment at the hospital, the
other was advised to continue on treatment started at the Roof. At least
seven guests were provided with letters to help them register with a local
general practitioner. In the past we have found that registering with a
GP is easier with a letter from WISH. Once a homeless person has accessed
these services successfully, they are more confident in approaching similar
agencies in the future.
Dental
Of the 26 guests that used the dental service: 9 (35%) had seen a dentist
in the last six months, 2 (8%) had seen one in the last year, 13 (50%)
had not seen a dentist for a year or more, 12% had tried to see a dentist
and were refused treatment, 35% were experiencing pain when they saw the
dentist at the Roof.
| Complained of |
Dentist's Findings |
| Check up |
9 (35%) |
Good |
4 (15%) |
| Cleaning |
2 (8%) |
|
|
| Toothache |
6 (23%) |
Decay (1-10 teeth) |
10 (39%) |
| Hole |
2 (8%) |
|
|
| Broken tooth |
7 (23%) |
Broken teeth |
2 (8%) |
| Loose tooth |
0 |
Loose teeth |
3 (12%) |
| Gum problem |
2 (12%) |
Gum infection |
6 (23%) |
| Other |
1 (4%) |
Other |
3 (12%) |
| Total of 28 complaints |
|
|
Dentists carried out scaling on 12% of guests seen; fillings on 15%
and extractions on 12%. 12% of guests seen by the dentist did not require
any treatment. 46% were given advice on follow-up care.
Chiropody
26 guests saw the chiropodists. 13 (50%) had seen a chiropodist before,
10 (38%) had not and 3 (12%) did not give an answer. Of those that had
had previous chiropody: 4 (31%) had seen one in the previous month; 4 (31%)
had seen one in the previous year; 5 (39%) had not seen a chiropodist for
a year or more. Guests presented with a variety of complaints, calluses
being the most common.
| Diagnoses |
Number |
% of guests |
| Callus |
16 |
62 |
| Blisters |
4 |
15 |
| Chillblains |
2 |
8 |
| Ulcers |
2 |
8 |
| Fungal infections |
6 |
23 |
| Ingrowing toenail |
4 |
12 |
| Other nail problem |
4 |
15 |
| Other |
6 |
19 |
| Total diagnoses (0-4 per guest) |
43 |
|
A total of 57 treatments was carried out from callus reduction (the
most common) to nail cutting.
Optician
9 guests had eye tests and 8 required glasses.
Advice
A housing and benefits advice service was available and was used by about
40 people. Two were accepted for rehabilitation following alcohol detoxification;
2 were assisted with their claim for housing association accommodation;
and 3 others were referred to hostels. Contact was established with outreach
workers from the Kensington and Chelsea and the West London Rough Sleepers
Initiative.
Entertainment
Live entertainment was provided by a choir from Jesus House, two bands
and a solo performer. A variety of books, games, jigsaws and cards were
well used. Televisions were available and were mainly used from early evening
onwards. A number of arts and crafts projects were undertaken under the
direction of a professional artist, culminating at the end of the week
in the production of a large collage. These activities proved to be extremely
popular.
Guest feedback questionnaire
Guests were asked to fill in a questionnaire to help feed back on the services
provided. About 20% of guests answered all or part.
| %age of guests that reported service
as being good or excellent |
| General enviroment |
76 |
Arts & Crafts |
57 |
| General atmosphere |
94 |
Advice |
86 |
| Food |
82 |
First aid |
91 |
| Washing facilities |
65 |
Doctors |
100 |
| Entertainment |
37 |
Dentists |
80 |
| Clothing Store |
71 |
Chiropodists |
100 |
| Hairdressing |
59 |
Optician |
75 |
Closing The Roof
On leaving, each guests was given a 'lunch pack' containing food, toiletries
and tobacco. Any excessive produce from the Roof was donated to other local
organisations working with homeless people.
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