Since 2006, DiversityInCare has delivered positive outcomes, primarily because we care about those we work with; we look at the individual and not the addiction.
The charity retains its core mission - to support underserved communities, and work with individuals with drug and alcohol related issues.by providing supported housing and care. We're committed to helping people move from crisis to confidence.
The majority of individuals we encounter need more than just a roof over their heads; they require stability, structure and consistency. This is vital in helping the women and men we support to address their underlying issues, develop life skills and meet their goals.
Meet our client, Aaron:
"It was my fifth time in prison. Six months before my release I was having anxiety attacks.
"I had no idea where I was going to go, and I didn't want to go back to my old life.
"I was told about the charity by RAPt, and DiversityInCare came to the prison to interview me. That interview was my saviour.
"On my day of release, I was taken to the hostel and given a welcome pack, full of bedding and toiletries. I was so happy, as I didn't even have money to buy toilet roll.
"DiversityInCare told me the first 12 weeks would be hard - they weren't lying. I was so used to being in prison. When I came out and prison hadn't sorted out my benefits, I was stressed.
"I had never had to depend on anyone before; at times, I just wanted to give up. But every time I spoke to someone at DiversityInCare, they would tell me I'm doing well.
"They made me wanna do it for me, and I wanted to make them all proud as well,
"Living in the hostel gives me structure. I live with good people, which keeps me focused. I love the fact my daughter can come around.
"I have never had support like this before, ever. I've just been left to my own devices. That's why I have always relapsed or gone back to my old ways, cause I've never had any guidance or help...nothing...I've just been left.
"This is the longest I have been straight. I'm focused on keeping it that way. I won't let my kids or myself down anymore.
"I have completed two courses and about to start a Gas Engineering course, which means I go back to working full-time.
"I am so grateful to DiversityInCare for taking me in; they're like my family"
For the past two years, DiversityInCare ran a pilot Supported Housing programme with wraparound care for those who are often given the least support – those with complex needs.
We worked with people who had a range of issues, including addictions, having suffered severe domestic violence, homelessness and people leaving prison. These issues are usually wrapped up together and what starts out as childhood trauma ends up in addiction and homelessness. Our aim was to help clients break the whole cycle so they never had to return to it again.
We ran FIVE gender-specific housing units in Hackney and Tower Hamlets, each with 4-5 clients per house. Each client received a bespoke care plan to address their various needs. We had a Fast-Track Policy, which meant that clients could be housed within 3-48 hours of receiving their referral; eliminating stress and considerable waiting periods left in limbo, a hallmark unique to our service in Hackney.
Despite starting with only £15,000 and a minimal level of staff, we managed during that time to achieve the following outcomes:
80% of residents frequently attended key work sessions
40% of our residents regularly volunteered over at least six months
30% of our residents completed one or more training programmes
50% of our residents attended fortnightly group therapy sessions
80% of our residents did not re-offend in 12 months
80% of our residents were re-united with children and grandchildren
15% of our residents were successfully re-housed, having become independent
Our pilot impressed people so much that we managed to attract celebrity supporters and two very high-profile UHNWIs who continued investing with us throughout the pilot, because they could see the value we were bringing to people in desperate need of help.
Next Steps
After such a successful pilot, we want to expand and enhance what we do, so we can help even more people and offer even more care and treatment, as well as doing it in a more cost-effective way.
We have managed to procure a new office, which is both larger, better value for money and more suitable for our needs. Within our new premises, we will be able to offer more comprehensive drop-in advice services, workshops and complementary therapies such as acupuncture, life skills classes and meditation sessions.
Our ultimate aim is to open two larger Fast-Track gender-specific rehabs (perhaps 10 beds each), so that we can offer everything our clients need in-house.
Whilst we would like to open a male-only rehab in the future, our immediate plan is to open a rehab for women, where they can have their children with them, rather than having them put in care, which not only costs the taxpayer £30,000 per year, but also harms both the mother and the child's recovery. Keeping the family together through treatment not only improves motivation for the mothers concerned, but allows us to help the child heal from any trauma caused by the past.
This is the ultimate way of breaking the negative cycles of complex needs-sufferers for good, as it ensures the next generation grows up more happily and healthily.
Again, sadly there is very little provision for helping mothers with children in London, and none in the most deprived areas, despite the fact that such a facility is desperately needed.
We are now seeking investment to procure a suitable building for our woman-and-baby unit as well as funding for ongoing overheads. In 2017, we want to make an amazingly positive impact on underprivileged communities, individuals and future generations.
