Novas Group

The service is for socially disadvantaged men and women, aged 16 years and over, who are experiencing homelessness and are in need of community care services due to mental or physical ill health, and other attendant problems such as a lack of housing or lack of suitable housing. The service focuses on groups of people who are sleeping rough, skippering or squatting, homeless and staying with friends and family, or living in B&B, hostels, and other temporary accommodation.

The centre is open Monday to Friday (including bank holidays) from 9.30 am to 1.30 pm. On Mondays the centre is open for women only.

Customers receive support through a key worker who initiates the support planning process following a needs assessment. This aims to identify the customer's needs, priorities and goals. The assessment covers issues such as accommodation, substance misuse, mental and physical health and meaningful occupation.

For customers with whom there is ongoing contact, the team will work with the individual to agree on a support and development plan, which will include a risk assessment.

The centre also offers advice and information for customers, as well as a postal address and use of a telephone for calls relating to housing, benefits and health.

Practical facilities such as showers, a laundry, a clothing store, and some storage facilities are available to customers using the centre. The centre's café provides free tea and toast from 09.30am to 10.30am and offers an affordable lunch menu. There is a nurse on site two days per week, a GP surgery one day per week and a vet clinic once a month.

The outreach team is also based on site and works closely with the New Street staff team to help identify accommodation for customers. The centre also has a part-time outreach worker who focuses on engaging with customers from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities to help link them with relevant services in the area.

A regular art group, a weekly mobile library facility, a UK on-line room as well as weekly Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are held at the centre.

Contact Details:

Woz James-Synnot (Manager)
23-25a East Street
Bedminster
Bristol
BS3 4HH

Telephone: 0117 909 6310