A Better Way Members, Sharon Collins and Patrick Fowler have been commissioned by NHS England to deliver a review of the housing pathway from prison across the Hampshire and the Isle of Wight footprint (including Portsmouth and Southampton) in response to growing system concerns about the housing outcomes for people leaving custody into homelessness and no fixed abode (NFA), particularly those with needs relating to mental ill health/substance use.
As part of A Better Way’s aims to facilitate greater relationships and support joining forces within and across sectors, in March 2025, we held a vibrant discussion with Sharon and Pat where they shared the aims of the project and Better Way members contributed their experience and knowledge of best practice to inform their project and how we can take action to influence local and national policy. Building on the key themes of the first meeting, on Wednesday 14 May 2025 between 10am-11.30am we are hosting a second meeting with Sharon and Pat to specifically explore:
Holistic risk assessments
Better information sharing (including data) - tell story once, consent, what is relevant info - may be focus this initially on immediate releases?
Co-commissioning (including shared metrics/indicators/outcomes)
Following the energy of the first meeting, we will also spend time exploring ways in which we can work together more collectively and contribute to “A Bigger We”
With a background in social housing, supported housing and homelessness, Sharon and Pat joined forces 10 years ago as independent systems convenors, bringing together public and third sector resources using the home as a lens to shared and common problems. Working in the muddy middle between organisations and sectors they are skilled at working independently of systems yet position themselves as an integral part of it rebuilding interagency trust by weaving new ways of working into the fabric of strategic and day-to-day operations, creating advocacy and agency for change at all levels of leadership with the overriding aim of keeping people safe and well at home.
Reserve your place
If you would like to reserve a place for this online meeting you can either fill out our booking form or contact info@betterway.network.
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