IHAG [Ipswich Housing Action Group]
The Safe House
The Safe House is managed by IHAG; 'safe' meaning 'drug free'. Its aim is to provide temporary accommodation for people recovering from drug addiction, and to assist them to move on to permanent independent accommodation with the ability to remain drug free.
The Safe House has been running since 2002. It is set in a quiet residential street, and comprises of 4 furnished bedsits. Tenants share a kitchen, bathroom, 2 separate toilets and a communal room. There is a washing machine, and each tenant has a refrigerator.
There is no waiting list for the house, and applicants are usually referred by local agencies dealing with drug treatment, eg: Iceni, Probation, START. However, IHAG do take self referrals. As vacancies often don't arise at the time most needed, applications are kept on file and reviewed when vacancies arise.
IHAG follow needs and risk assessments, working with applicants to review their backgrounds and suitability. As the Safe House is part of IHAG’s dispersed hostel [they have 13 other similar properties all over Ipswich housing homeless single people], information on former landlord arrears is also sought, as if un addressed these can make moving on difficult.
IHAG require all applicants to be drug free, usually for an evidenced period of 3 months [open to negotiation]. Applicants are also required to engage [or be referred to] a recognised drug treatment programme, sufficient to support them while they live with IHAG.
IHAG operate a clear system for support within the Safe House, based on a practical approach.
Firstly Each client is asked to attend a weekly meeting with the others residents, run usually by 2 IHAG workers. The aims of the meeting are:
• To promote good relationships between clients [which can also prove to be supportive].
• To air issues about the running of the house.
• To provide a forum for clients to discuss some of their problems.
It is not intended to be a therapeutic group. The house is alcohol tolerant, however IHAG address any alcohol related problems as necessary.
Secondly All clients are drug tested at least once a week. Testing takes place at the meeting, and clients can be tested randomly over and above this. IHAG test for a wide spectrum of drugs including cannabis. If a test proves positive clients are requested to leave, unless there are very exceptional circumstances, to safeguard the secure environment of the Safe House.
Thirdly IHAG provide housing related support, eg: help with benefits, money management, health issues. Staff are not drug workers, though they have knowledge of the field. IHAG require all clients to attend a recognised drug treatment programme. IHAG often liaise with these agencies as part of providing an affective support network. Treatment may not be with just with one agency, but any treatment must be sufficient to support the client in their progress to recovery.
Everyone offered a place in the Safe House is given a licence to occupy their room at the property. This is not a tenancy agreement, affording minimal security for clients living there. This arrangement allows IHAG to request someone to leave with 7 days notice, if they are found to be using drugs.
If a client remains drug free and adheres to their licence agreement, then IHAG can assist them to move on to independent accommodation [once ready to sustain a tenancy in their own right]. IHAG then refer clients to their own resettlement team, supporting them to find housing through the Council’s Choice Based Letting's Scheme. Further support comes from the team to help clients set up home, and support them through the first 3 months of the tenancy, or until there is mutual agreement for the support to end.
If anyone is interested in a place at the Safe House please contact IHAG for an informal chat. They are always keen to answer any enquiries.
Open Tuesday to Friday 12pm - 3pm
01473 213102
www.ihag.co.uk
IHAG
22-24 Carr Street [above British Heart Foundation Shop]
Ipswich
IP4 1EJ
Mick Allison
Housing Service Manager
mick@ihag.freeserve.co.uk
