The Rough Sleepers Accommodation Programme (RSAP) is a partnership between Great Places, Jigsaw and Riverside provides flexible and trauma-informed support for individuals and couples who have experiences of rough sleeping across the boroughs of Greater Manchester.
How the system works
People/couples are supported for two years are then helped to find “move on” accommodation as they continue recover.
The RSAP delivery team has proactively developed positive relationships with delivery partners, which include the six accommodation providers and the eight local authorities across GM, to maximise the positive outcomes for individuals on the programme and to ensure their voices, choices and rights are consistently advocated for.
The support service currently supports people across Greater Manchester, developing meaningful engagement with individuals from the start of their journey in temporary accommodation to prepare for their tenancy, and support them throughout their RSAP tenancy until they feel ready to move on.
The team supports individuals who have very different experiences of rough sleeping which are often interrelated with struggles with substance misuse, mental health and trauma and abuse, which is why consistent and compassionate support can help an individual build an independent life off the streets.
We often work with individuals who have very little engagement with services, and alongside tenancy support, we support individuals in accessing health and community resources, welfare benefits, grants, training and employment at their own pace, to improve their health and wellbeing and promote their independence.
Our project is premised on the understanding that alongside having a safe and secure home, consistent and flexible support from a dedicated support worker, throughout the length of a tenancy, is crucial for individuals with lived experiences of rough sleeping, not only to maintain their tenancy, but to gain confidence and independence as well as develop and nurture valuable links within the local community and (re)build trust in services.