Too many people are suffering the devastating consequences of inadequate supported accommodation.
That is our message as we ramp up our campaign in the new year for the government to put words into action to protect vulnerable people from inadequate support.
Rhys Matthews had been left homeless due to woefully inadequate supported accommodation.
Now grateful to have a home, community and work with Emmaus, he has opened up about his previous negative experiences before joining the community at Emmaus Hampshire.
Speaking to the BBC of his hope that government action will be taken swiftly, so others won’t suffer the devastating consequences of inadequate supported accommodation as he did, Rhys described his previous experience as the “worst place I’ve ever lived”.
Rhys says there was no support, he feared for his safety, and after one of the other residents threw a knife at him, he was the one to be evicted from the shared accommodation, with just an hour’s notice and nowhere else to go.
“It almost felt like I was the issue, I was the problem, and they wanted to get rid of me,” he told the BBC. “I had no idea what my rights were.”
Rhys says what he went through made his physical and mental wellbeing worse, and when he was forced out he had no other option but to live on the streets. He had been sleeping rough for two years before he found the help he needed with Emmaus.
Campaigning and raising standards
Rhys supports the policy and campaigning work of Emmaus UK to ensure the implementation of the Supported Housing Act.
The Act came into force on 29 August 2023 to allow the government to create National Supported Housing Standards to raise the bar for providers, but a public consultation has yet to be launched
Emmaus is undertaking an in-depth research project to help shape the Act, led by companions living in Emmaus communities, to gather the views and experiences of those with lived experience of supported housing.
Emmaus has also launched a new quality framework for supported housing providers, to make sure those who access supported housing receive safe, dignified, and person-centred support.
Charlotte Talbott, Chief Executive at Emmaus UK, said:
“While many providers of supported housing offer quality services, unfortunately there are far too many cases where individuals are let down by unscrupulous providers, with substandard support and accommodation having devastating consequences for those who depend on their services.
“No-one should suffer due to inadequate supported housing. That’s why Emmaus is campaigning for the swift implementation of the Supported Housing Act, to ensure the necessary reforms to protect vulnerable people.
“We are proud of the support provided by Emmaus communities and are committed to continual improvement of our services through the implementation of the Emmaus Quality Standards.
“Everyone who relies on supported housing should have access to safe, high-quality services and pathways to a brighter future.”