REFUGEE LINK SERVICES

The White Swan Hostel

This building is a 46-bed hostel, primarily though not exclusively, for refugees who are in the process of adapting to life in the UK. The hostel's primary purpose is to provide service users with the supportive structure that will enable them to maintain a relatively independent life; and ensures that the support provided is done in a safe and caring environment. The hostel takes referrals from a range of sources including self-referrals.

The hostel implements a comprehensive set of policies and procedures, which are consistent with the Supporting People QAF framework.

The White Swan Hostel does not provide meals as service users are encouraged to exercise independent living. However, there are occasional communal meals as requested by the service users.

The White Swan Hostel accommodation:

• Is in Easton
• well appointed individual bedrooms, most of which are ensuite
• large communal lounge/kitchen
• fully equipped laundry room
• Staff on-site and an on-call service
• Currently an additional 8 bed extension is under construction

The hostel provides 24 hour staff cover, individually tailored support plans and offer leisure and recreational opportunities. Residents are also encouraged to make use of other resources within the community for advice, counselling and other support they may need. Regular feedback from service users is also encouraged.

We help service users with issues such as:

• Benefit Claims (DWP)
• Housing accommodation (Neighbourhood Offices)
• Council Tax
• Utilities and bills
• Understanding occupancy agreements
• ESOL
• Training
• Health & safety, safe use of equipment, home and personal security
• The role of statutory and other agencies
• Accessing culturally specific goods and services
• Religious and social resources in the community
• Pathways to employment
• Signposting to other services

Other Support Services

Refugee Link is a provider of accommodation and support for refugees. In addition to the White Swan hostel (46 beds with ensuite facilities in most; a further 8 beds will be available after completion of an extension which is currently underway), Refugee Link also manages a community outreach service consisting of 6 units and 17 of floating support units. This service is for non-priority (6) and priority (17) homeless people (many of whom are refugees) referred by the Council. Refugee Link intends to expand this service.

Refugee Link is in the process of putting in place a policy and procedural basis which is consistent with the Government's "Supporting People" initiative and the associated "Quality Assessment Framework" (QAF).

Referrals are assessed against our criteria for accommodation and support which are contained within our "Fair Access, Diversity & Inclusion" policy and procedure.

The Community Outreach Service

This service is available to existing service users who are living independently. The service accommodates service users in ordinary housing in the community.

The service is divided into 2 elements:

1. Supported housing: this part of our service is for people who need intensive support but for whom a hostel is inappropriate, for example, families. Refugee Link is both the landlord and provider of support.

2. Floating support: we also support tenants, many of whom were White Swan residents, who require additional support although they have their own accommodation.