Chloe Alexander's Recent Activity

"Wish has run the Community Link project for 10 years, providing long-term holistic support to women with mental health needs when they leave prison and also with women leaving secure hospitals. More information on the project is available on our website http://womenatwish.org.uk/services/servicesforwomen/communitylink  The Community Link project works with women to prevent them becoming homeless, especially when they leave prison. We have found that local authorities are increasingly reluctant or unable to house very vulnerable women. As a result, women have gone on to commit offences in order to return to prison and have a roof over their head. Another aspect of our work to prevent homelessness is supporting women when their housing does not come with adequate support or does not meet their needs. For women in the community with housing problems, we support them if their tenancies are at risk, addressing such problems as relationships with neighbours, rent arrears, mental health and drug issues where we can. Lack of appropriate housing and homelessness is a significant problem for the women we work with. It is a common factor in the development of higher mental health needs and/or it can lead to (re)offending. We consider there to be large gaps in the provision of housing for women with mental health needs, complex needs and women leaving prison."
Reply To: Housing and homelessness – services for women with complex needs