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Meet Our Managers

For over four decades Simon Community Scotland has been developing and delivering services with and for people who experience homelessness.

For over four decades Simon Community Scotland has been developing and delivering services with and for people who experience homelessness.

RSVP Service

RSVP Team Motto: Never judge… never give up

Support team:         24 support staff across 3 services Operating since:     2013

The Rough Sleepers and Vulnerable People (RSVP) Service includes:

• RSVP Street Outreach
• RSVP Hub: Information and Advice Centre
• RSVP Complex Needs

Our RSVP Service Managers can tell you more:

RSVP STREET OUTREACH

Who we support: People who are sleeping rough or at risk of sleeping rough in the city centre of Glasgow

“My team seek out and work with people who have hit rock bottom. It’s not an easy job, but for us, it’s a privilege to be able to offer help and support to some of the most vulnerable and excluded people within our society. Every day we actively outreach across the city to engage with individuals who are rough sleeping to offer support to link in with services with a view to gaining accommodation. We also support people on a daily basis to present at casework teams and other appointments. We want people to be able to access the resources they need to get off the streets and be safe.”

- Megan Thomson, Service Manager (T: 0141 552 4230)

 

RSVP HUB: INFORMATION AND ADVICE CENTRE

Who we support: People who need information and advice; drop-in or appointments available.

“The Hub is open 7 days to offer information and advice and help people access relevant agencies. We can also make referrals to other parts of the RSVP team. We work hard to create a welcoming, friendly environment. Like most of us, those who use our service feel a sense of worth and confidence when they have someone that will listen to them and show some compassion and empathy. They also appreciate contact with those who may have similar experiences, so we train Peer Volunteers to help provide support. We want to help those who access our service achieve what they are looking for.”

- Judi Pitcairn, Service Manager (T:0141 552 4164)

 

RSVP COMPLEX NEEDS

Who we support: People who are experiencing homelessness and other difficulties and need consistent, long-term support.

“I will be overseeing the Complex Needs element of RSVP Service. When referred to this part of the service staff are like a "dog with a bone" to try and get service users linked to the services that the person needs at that particular time. Staff will not disengage from the service users until they are settled in more sustainable accommodation. Staff will stick to the service users like Velcro, until the person has achieved their goals and are comfortable with staff to stop supporting them.”

– Robert Ptolomey, Service Manager (T: 0141 418 6980)

 

Residential Accommodation

GOVANHILL SERVICE

Team motto:            It is better to be kind than right.

Who we support:    Single women who need emergency accommodation and support Support team:         12 support staff Operating since:     1999

“We know that being welcomed into a new environment is really important – especially if someone is facing a personal crisis – so we work hard to create a safe and homely service where women can stay until the right solution is delivered. As Service Manager, I am continually amazed by the resilience of these women who get on with life no matter what it brings or throws at them. As a team we are creative in our thinking and approach and are proud to serve and support women into the next part of their lives.”

–  ­Jeanann Webster, Service Manager (T: 0141 423 5599)

 

PARKHEAD SERVICE

Team motto:            Together Everyone Achieves More!

Who we support:    Women with complex needs who need temporary accommodation. We have nine individual flats in a residential setting. Support team:         8 female support staff Operating since:     2004

“I feel so lucky in my role as each day I work with the women living with us along with the staff working here at our service. The women who stay with us may experience enduring poor mental health, drug or alcohol addiction and may have difficulties engaging with other support services. I am very proud of the women we support. They have faced – and continue to face –real difficulties in their life journey. My staff team go beyond expectations to ensure the women are safe and supported in their journey out of homelessness surrounded by people who care, laugh and smile. We know that the women themselves hold the power and the key to the best way forward. Our staff are there to encourage, guide and support. We’re daily reminded how marvellous and resilient our women are; they continue to find ways of coping and moving forward.”

– Pat Doran, Service Manager (T: 0141 550 4459)

 

KENT ROAD SERVICE

Team motto:            Life is full of possibilities

Who we support:    Supported accommodation (in flats) for women on their journey out of homelessness. Support team:         9 female support staff Operating since:     2011

Kent Road Women’s Service is situated in the vibrant area of Finnieston in Glasgow’s West End, surrounded by local amenities. Our team works to create a welcoming and supportive environment for the women who live here. We want them to be able to reach their own potential in their own home while having the re-assurance that staff are there to support them if they need it. We pride ourselves on listening to what’s important to each person and will adapt to their changing needs within this. We’re always looking for ways to make our service more friendly and inviting. The common areas within the service reflect this, as well as our small garden area which is enjoyed by all – especially in the summer months.

–  Jeanann Webster, Service Manager (T: 0141 221 1221)

 

MAXWELL DRIVE SERVICE

Team motto:            There is no limit to what you can accomplish when nobody cares who gets the credit.

Who we support:    Women who have complex needs and need supported accommodation while they are moving out of homelessness Support team:         9 female support staff Operating since:     2014

“The Maxwell Service opened on the South side of Glasgow in June 2014 having previously been based at Maryhill. We provide diverse support working with women who have a wide range of complex needs. As a service we create a warm and friendly atmosphere so that the women feel at home until they are ready to take the next step in their journey. We have an open and honest approach when working with the women as we know this approach helps us build trust and really listen to the type of support they need. It also helps us determine each woman’s individual vulnerabilities and patterns of behaviour so that we can provide helpful support. We work with a multi-agency team to ensure the women have the best opportunities to enable them to live independently in the community.”

­­– Alison Brolly, Service Manager (T: 0141 429 8188)

 

LENZIE GATE SERVICE

Team motto:            Simpliciter, quia ibi 'Simply, Being there'

Who we support:    Supported accommodation for men who have complex needs and are moving out of homelnessness. Support team:         9 support staff Operating since:     Approx 25 years

“Our Lenzie Gate Service supports men who are moving out of homelessness. If you speak to the people we support you’ll hear that their journey into homelessness is often filled with trauma, rejection and a feeling of worthlessness. For many, being homeless is about living with continual insecurity and little sense of value. The staff team really care. They’re passionate and incredibly dedicated to assisting the guys, giving them plenty time and helping them feel valued – we want to help them recognise their unique experiences and strengths. We provided a safe place to be, to have time to think, to re-evaluate, to make choices and not be judged or punished. Through all this, we want to provide opportunities for the men to have hope, aspirations and confidence in themselves. Sometimes it’s simply important to “be there” for people, giving a little encouragement and positive feedback.”

– Paul Grandison, Service Manager (T: 0141 631 1798)

 

TOLLCROSS SERVICE

Team motto:            Believe that you CAN!

Who we support:    Men who need supported accommodation Support team:         10 support staff Operating since:     1997

“We provide a safe, welcoming home for men and support people to move on positively. We recognise and understand that everyone is individual, so we have a personalised approach in everything that we do. We believe that every person has the right to take time to work out for themselves what they want; and then we support them to get there! We have a great garden space that allows us to look creatively at healthy eating and lifestyles, develop basic cooking skills/life skills and can offer educational programmes as well as fun times. We strive to be the service that everyone wants to be supported by and that genuinely makes a difference in people’s lives.”

– Kirsty Monaghan, Service Manager (T: 0141 778 8129)

 

North Ayrshire Service

Who we support:    People (16 - 65yrs) who need emergency accommodation. Support team:         18 support staff Operating since:     1st August 2015

The North Ayrshire Service offers emergency support to 23 men and women aged 16+ in a safe, comfortable and private accommodation for short term support, and Outreach support to those moving into their own tenancies.

People come to us when they are their lowest, often having experienced stigma and exclusion. Our service is high tolerance - often working with people who may have extensive drug related addictions and may still be using non-prescription drugs. We want everyone to have a safe place to live and access to the support they need. Staff assertively key-work to try and assist service users to help make that a reality.

We want to make life a little better for the people we support and help them on their journey.

 - Sabine Bunte, Service Manager (T: 01294 441 613)

 

NEWLANDS COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICE

Team motto:            Expect the Best!
Who we support:    Men and woman who are moving on from homelessness. Support team:         16 support staff Operating since:     In 2014 our Community Support Inclusion (outreach) Service and Newlands Residential Service merged to create the ‘Newlands Community Support Service’

“We work across both a community and residential setting to support people who are overcoming homelessness. As a team we are proactive and imaginative, encouraging people to engage with services and achieve their aims. We want to ensure a positive outcome for all who use our service. As with all Simon Community services, our staff focus on respect: we promote choice, encourage inclusion and listen to the people we work with each day. People who use our support services are encouraged to share suggestions on improving the service. Recently staff and service users worked together to enable the building of a garden log cabin to be used for service user meetings.”

– Robert Kennedy, Service Manager (T: 0141 632 8912)

 

NORTH LANARKSHIRE INTENSIVE HOUSING SUPPORT SERVICE

Team motto:            Working for a brighter future, today

Who we support:    People who are wanting to get and/or maintain a tenancy in North Lanarkshire Support team:         10 support staff Operating since:     2010

“We provide housing support to over 90 people each week all over the North Lanarkshire area. People who use our service tell us that it has been invaluable in assisting them gain and maintain their own tenancies. Our team know that the people who use our service have their own answers and solutions to the challenges they face. Our role is to work side-by-side to help them realise their potential. We help people explore options so they can make decisions that can enhance their life.”

– George Provan, Service Manager (T: 01236 702 102)

 

NORTH LANARKSHIRE - Black Street SERVICE Team motto:            There are no problems, only solutions

Who we support:    Up to 8 men who are homeless and have addictions Support team:         5 support staff Operating since:    Black Street became part of the Simon Community in April 2016

"The service at Black Street in Airdrie is an 8 bedded unit for men who are homeless and experience addiction issues. Each resident is referred to the service through local housing. The staff team work closely with service users to identify their strengths and to help them to develop their skills in other areas of their lives. Service users are heavily involved in support plans, through which they can receive the best possible support during their stay within the service.

We operate a 24 hour service 365 days per year. Staff members are on site and carry out various shifts including wakened nights.

The aim is to prepare individuals for their own tenancies, so that they have the skills and confidence to live independently when they move on from the service. We have an experienced staff team who are extremely enthusiastic. They work tirelessly to encourage individuals to maximise their potential and achieve positive outcomes in their lives."

 Colin Goring: Team Leader (01236 768185)

 

NORTH LANARKSHIRE - BRIDGEWORK SERVICE

Who we support:   Intensive housing support for up to 4 males aged 16 and upwards who have experienced homelessness, challenging behaviour, mental health and addiction issues often leading to chaotic lifestyles Support team:         5 support staff Operating since:     Bridgework became part of the Simon Community in April 2016

“The Bridgework Service is located in Motherwell. The service is made up of 4 self-contained flat’s promoting independent living with an adjoining staff premises. The service provides intensive housing support to 4 men who have experienced homelessness, mental health and addiction issues inclusive of challenging behaviours and chaotic lifestyles.

The service operates 24/7, 365 days a year. This includes a staff member on a sleep-over duty. At present this is between the hours of 10pm to 8am. There is also a responsive on-call when staff are lone working.

Bridgework aims to support service users break the vicious lifestyle circle of addiction dependency and chaotic lifestyle by promoting a recovery and harm reduction based model of positive change.  Our experienced and innovative staff team support individuals to build on their strengths and work in a person centred environment of support with the objectives of harm reduction (although abstinence is not a criteria condition of service) and the development of new behavioural patterns. Staff members seek to help service users identify areas of development and support required and assist them to gain confidence, life skills and coping strategies in order to prepare them for independent living.

The Bridgework staff want individuals to be at the heart of their support, promoting individual choice and inclusion within services and in the community  The aim is to ensure that when residents move on, that they can maximise their potential and achieve positive outcomes in order to be ready for when they move into their own homes with no need for further repeat homelessness.

David Fleming Team Leader (01698 260793)

 

NORTH LANARKSHIRE - Houldsworth Court SERVICE

Team Motto:   If first you don’t succeed try and try again

Support team:         5 support staff

Operating since:     Houldsworth Court became part of the Simon Community in April 2016

“Houldsworth Court is based within the Wishaw area. The service is made up of 4 self-contained bungalows promoting independent living with further bungalow containing the staff premises. The service provides intensive housing support to 4 females who have experienced homelessness, mental health and addiction issues inclusive of challenging behaviours and chaotic lifestyles.

The service operates 24/7, 365 days a year. This includes a staff member on a sleep-over duty. At present this is between the hrs of 10pm to 8am. There is also a responsive on-call when staff are lone working.

Houldsworth Court aims to support service users break the vicious lifestyle circle of addiction dependency, mental health issues and chaotic lifestyle by promoting a recovery and harm reduction based model of positive change. Our experienced and innovative staff team support individuals to build on their strengths and work in a person centred environment of support with the objectives of harm reduction (although abstinence is not a criteria condition of service) and the development of new behavioural patterns. Staff members seek to help service users identify areas of development and support required and to assist them to gain confidence, life skills and coping strategies in order to prepare them for independent living.

The Houldsworth staff want individuals to be at the heart of their support, promoting individual choice and active inclusion within services and in the community  The aim is to ensure that when residents move on, that they can maximise their potential and achieve positive outcomes in order to be ready for when they move into their own homes with a lesser risk for further repeat homelessness."

David Fleming Team Leader 01698 352204

 

NORTH LANARKSHIRE - Mason Street SERVICE

Team Motto:   Never too late to start over, never too late to be happy

Who we support:   Up to 8 men who are homeless and have addictions Support team:         5 support staff Operating since:     Mason Street became part of the Simon Community in April 2016

Mason street provides supported accommodation for eight males, who are experiencing homelessness, they may also have other support needs for example addictions/mental health issues. The aim of our service is to promote person centered, independent living and support our clients to access/ engage with other support networks and to learn/relearn the necessary life skills to enable them to receive and maintain their own tenancy in the community, Within Mason street we offer a warm, comfortable, friendly atmosphere and home, staff are flexible and work a range of shifts, ensuring the service is covered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ensuring our clients always have someone there to listen, support and offer advice, Mason street at times can be very fast paced & a challenging role, but also one that is very rewarding, we pride ourselves on being approachable and providing a safe and friendly environment, where people are encouraged to have and work towards their own goals, be proud of who they are and what they achieve.

Kate McCabe-01698 276347

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