Our vision is that the services we provide and the way we provide them will result in our service users being able to use that advice and support to build a more independent and sustainable standard of living and way of life.

 

"No young person, whatever their problems and deprivations, should be without a comprehensive and holistic package of support until they are truly capable of sustaining an independent and acceptable lifestyle within their chosen community."

 

 

Homelessness is inextricably linked to social exclusion and Llamau has found that for homeless young people, the key to successful intervention is to build up a relationship based on trust. For young people in particular, this is vital, as they have become alienated from anyone they see as ‘in authority’ whether this is statutory services or family members. For the young person to succeed it is essential to re-engage that person into co-operating with a support package over which they have a large element of control.

More importantly homelessness is generally only the symptom of the problem facing socially excluded people, so provision of accommodation on its own is never a successful solution. Since homelessness usually occurs as a result of a key relationship breakdown of one sort or another, it is important that any support package seeks to overcome both the emotional and practical problems that are associated with this breakdown. Further, every breakdown is personal to the individual homeless person and must be treated as such. There are frequently common additional problems ranging from low self-esteem through anti-social behavior to drug habits, but these are just as likely to be the result of the relationship breakdown as the cause of it. These factors all have to be taken into account in developing a holistic support package to help each individual towards socially included independent living.