Former housing support worker helping homeless in Suffolk speaks of lack of empathy for addicts

A former housing support worker in Suffolk said the lack of empathy or compassion for ‘the most unfortunate in our society’ was the reason he resigned from his role.

The man, whose identity we are protecting, shares in his own words his experiences of working as a housing/homeless support worker in a setting:

“I was extremely saddened by the way the most unfortunate in our society are treated.

While there, I was witnessing what I can only describe as a prejudice towards the less fortunate or the underclass.

Indeed, prejudice by landlords has been well documented over the decades. Sadly my experience suggests it continues.

I have found that every homeless person has their own story to tell, however these stories are sometimes harrowing and all you can see is trauma etched all over their faces.

Stories of the most degrading physical and sexual abuse is common, normally carried by family members.

Lots of youngsters coming from care tell stories of neglect and abuse. Others didn't go to school because of dysfunctional families where parents/guardians are drug and/or alcohol dependent.

So we are dealing with the most vulnerable, who have little or no self esteem, who have mental health issues, who self harm and sometimes tragically take their own lives.

The council would be your first port of call and an assessment is carried out and you would be referred on to housing providers.

Thereafter, a colleague or I would carry out another assessment ensuring they were suitable, read out the rules and show them around the building.

During the assessment you listen to their story and you visibly see the trauma.

Normally people who have been subjected or suffered trauma will have a coping mechanism and this normally consists of using both legal and illegal drugs and/or alcohol.

The cases are then discussed and if successful the person will be admitted to an emergency bed.

The person is anxious, weary, uncertain and scared. They will stay there for a few weeks until a room becomes available.

Until then, they get minimal support when the support should be at its height, especially when you consider what these vulnerable people have gone through.

Moreover, although we know that a person has an issue regarding drugs because of experiencing trauma, we welcome them in with open arms.

However, that's when the empathy and compassion stops and the rule by the iron fist begins. Decisions are made by management that completely wreck people's lives.

Is it a power trip? Is it a lack of understanding and knowledge of what a person has experienced prior and during homelessness?

Addictions are extremely difficult to beat. Ask any ex-smoker or indeed any smoker. However, with little or no support provided regarding this issue a person is caught with a small bag of cannabis in their room, and is reprimanded.

‘If you are caught with that again you’re out, you have been warned’ is the message.

I may be working with an individual supporting their needs, showing empathy, compassion and most importantly gaining their trust when a decision is made to evict because of a minor misdemeanour.

This is a real sad state of affairs. A person who was doing really well, found a job, was to start work and was caught with a bit of weed and was evicted back on to the street and as a result lost their job.

Like I say, there is no understanding of homelessness, addictions and mental health. No empathy or compassion shown. I had to resign as I couldn't work under such conditions.

It is hundreds of pounds rent a week for box room accommodation and as 99 per cent of service users are on benefits, we the taxpayers, are paying for a service that is not fit for purpose.