People sleeping rough are some of the most marginalised and vulnerable members of society, so it is essential that we adopt an assertive and responsive approach, that is underpinned by the principles and practices of Psychologically Informed Environments (PIE), within our outreach service.
Assertive outreach is a proactive method of engaging with individuals who are sleeping rough; it involves an active and persistent approach to seeking out and building trusting relationships with those who may be excluded, reluctant to engage, or hidden from mainstream services. As each Local Authority’s official StreetLink responder, we ensure our team is available at the most effective times to respond to referrals and deliver the support and resources needed, enabling people sleeping rough to meet their immediate health and wellbeing needs.
We recognise that the most critical opportunities to meaningfully engage, verify, and support individuals often arise outside of standard office hours—when mainstream services are closed and options are limited. It is during these times that we can most effectively connect with those genuinely sleeping rough, offering timely interventions that prioritise their immediate safety, and help them access vital services. More importantly, we work with our partners to identify and secure temporary or even permanent accommodation that reduce both the length and recurrence of each person’s homelessness.
Our operational hours are tailored according to the needs of the people we support and the requirements of each local authority partner. This means we are available from as early as 6am to as late as 9:30pm on weekdays, with outreach also provided at weekends and on bank holidays, ensuring a truly responsive and flexible service.
This service offers expert support and guidance to some of the most vulnerable individuals within the community, including people experiencing mental health challenges, learning disabilities, addictions, dementia, physical disabilities, and those affected by domestic or financial abuse. The support extends to individuals who have experienced fraud and those requiring safeguarding through multi-agency collaboration.
Our highly skilled caseworker, who is a member of the Institute of Money Advisers, holds the NVQ level 4 in Advice and Guidance, and the Certificate in Money Advice Practice. The CertMAP, as it is also known, is a leading, comprehensive qualification for debt advisers in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It is a university-level course developed in partnership with Staffordshire University and the Institute of Money Advisers (IMA). The course focuses on the essential aspects of debt advice casework and is accredited by the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) to caseworker/specialist level.
Our advisor has extensive experience of working closely with regulatory bodies to address issues such as illegal money lending. With a strong track record of assisting a diverse range of clients, providing comprehensive support from benefit claims through to tribunal representation and access to specialised military benefits. Engagement with mental health networks ensures tailored support for individuals with conditions such as PTSD
Beyond office-based advice, the service offers in-home visits to vulnerable community members, ensuring accessible and personalised casework. Additionally, the service provides outreach and ongoing support to rough sleepers, those in temporary accommodation, and people with criminal justice system involvement, helping them navigate complex benefits and financial issues.
This holistic approach ensures clients receive accurate, knowledgeable, and effective support tailored to their unique circumstances, empowering them towards greater financial stability and well-being.
Ex-offenders face significant, often interrelated challenges as they try to rebuild their lives upon release from prison. Those challenges often include barriers to employment, reduced housing options and housing instability, legal and systemic barriers (such as driving disqualification or licence requirements), social stigma and isolation, and mental health difficulties.
These systemic barriers not only have a harmful impact on the ex-offender, but they also drive high rates of reoffending. Making it easier for ex-offenders to access jobs, stable housing, and support has been shown to reduce crime, promote safer communities, and break cycles of disadvantage. This is exactly what we do at Cornerstone.
Our high-impact, trauma-informed ex-offender services first started operating in 2014 across Caerphilly County Borough Council. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we extended the service to the Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council area.
Delivered in partnership with the National Probation Service and each Local Authority’s Homelessness Team, the project uses a restorative and person-centred approach to meet the complex needs of individuals being released as homeless from the secure estate. Including through-the-gate support, mediation to rebuild family relationships, and advocacy with landlords across all sectors, we help individuals to secure and sustain tenancies. By providing bespoke, trauma-informed interventions tailored to each individual’s needs, supporting them within their own homes and in the wider community, we are demonstrably reducing reoffending.
A key development has been the introduction of a bespoke drop-in service delivered directly within the Probation Service. This innovative approach has significantly strengthened partnership working with Offender Managers, enabling faster, more responsive support and improved coordination of care. It has also enhanced early intervention opportunities and streamlined access to housing and support services.
Our teams are fixed attendees at the monthly No Fixed Abode Release Panel, working alongside the National Probation Service Accommodation Pathway Coordinator, HMPPS Resettlement Teams, and Local Authority Homeless Officers to ensure seamless through-the-gate support. This collaborative approach maximises housing options and expands access into Private Rented Sector housing, reducing reliance on temporary accommodation placements. The project has achieved strong, measurable outcomes, with positive recognition from our commissioners for its impact on housing stability, rehabilitation, and community reintegration.
