Fulfilling Lives in Islington and Camden

Fulfilling Lives in Islington & Camden (FLIC) has now closed its doors. However, all of our news, learnings and reports can be found here, and our clients' voices and films can be found here.

FLIC was an eight-year Lottery funded learning programme, designed to support people experiencing multiple disadvantage and affect system change to improve the experience and outcomes for people accessing services.

Too often the voices of people experiencing multiple disadvantage aren't heard. Putting clients at the centre of everything we do was key to our work. Our support service was intensive, trauma-informed and led by the experiences and insights of our clients.

We worked in partnership with statutory and voluntary agencies across both boroughs to improve services for people with multiple needs and drive systemic change, influencing how services are designed and delivered.

If you have any questions, please email Lucy Campbell ([email protected]), SHP's head of Multiple Disadvantage Transformation.

Peer Mentors

For people facing multiple disadvantage, negotiating the path to recovery can be a daunting experience, and getting support from someone who has been through the same experience can make a world of difference.

Peer mentors are volunteers with first-hand experience of substance use, mental ill health, complex needs and homelessness, who are stable in their recovery, and want to support others to make positive changes in their lives.

A well as building the recovery capacity of clients, the programme gives Peer Mentors the opportunity to develop vocational skills, experience and qualifications, with particular relevance for careers in health and social care. Our Peer Mentors are also actively involved in the planning and delivery of FLIC, drawing on their expertise to help shape the project.

"As a Peer Mentor, I can relate to the clients I meet. If I see someone struggling with something, I will open up a little bit and say 'I do know what you’re going through.'" - Lisa

An inspiration to others

Our programme matches each Peer Mentor with one or more clients over a period of between 6 and 12 months. Developing a relationship of trust, Peer Mentors support mentees through their recovery, acting as role models and an inspiration to others. As well as offering practical support, they also socialise with mentees and spend time with them in the community, through activities such as cinema outings and museum visits.

Each Peer Mentor is provided with training over eight days and enrolled in a programme of personalised professional development, which includes ongoing training sessions and a personal budget. All expenses are paid and we ask volunteers to commit to a minimum of four hours a week.

In May 2019, our Fulfilling Lives Peer Mentoring Programme was awarded the NCVO Mentoring and Befriending Approved Provider Standard.

If you are interested in becoming a Peer Mentor and would like more information and an application form, contact Joe or call us for a chat on 020 3701 5949.

Resources

Download an evaluation report assessing the effectiveness of our FLIC Peer Mentoring Programme.

Latest

Celal's story

Celal had built a life for himself in London, but it all fell apart during the pandemic. His work ran out, and he lost his flat. Celal felt he had nowhere else to turn and started sleeping on the street. We offered Celal a place to regroup, giving the support he needed to get back on his feet. Now, he's pursuing his passion for acting again and hoping to star in a full-length film.
Why homelessness is not a lifestyle choice

Suella Braverman recently described rough sleeping as a “lifestyle choice” when she defended her decision to restrict the use of tents by people sleeping rough.
How to help homeless people this winter?

We've made a list of 11 things you can do to help someone facing homelessness this winter.
How does racism and discrimination cause homelessness?

People from black and ethnic backgrounds are more likely to be homeless, live in deprived neighbourhoods and poor quality homes. But why? Historical factors, specific policies, and social welfare drive inequality, and we need positive changes to address the balance.

Trauma Informed, reflections on our way of working

We are passionate about working in a trauma-informed way. It has bonded our team and clients, and made our work more meaningful. We reflect on this approach in our practical booklet to trauma-informed working.
Frances’ Story: A decade living with leg ulcers and the road to healing

Living with a chronic leg ulcer for over 10 years was the daily reality for Frances, she couldn't picture a life without her wounds. However, with the right treatment, patience and encouragement, Frances' wounds began to heal and the prospect of leading a 'normal' life was now reachable.
Guidance launch: Working Effectively with Perpetrators and Survivors of Domestic Abuse in Homelessness Settings

FLIC and Standing Together are passionate about ensuring survivors of domestic abuse receive the support they need, and we know that identifying and working with perpetrators plays a crucial part in this.
Legs Matter Week 2020: David’s story

Dr Jemell Geraghty sat down with SHP client David to hear about the impact his leg ulcers have had on him and his hopes for the future.
World Homeless Day 2020

For this year’s awareness day, we’re reflecting on the cornerstone of the Navigator outreach model – trust.
Client outcomes

Our outcomes demonstrate that people with multiple needs can lead more fulfilling lives if given the right support.
Client engagement

We're committed to enabling people with lived experience of multiple disadvantage to inform and shape how FLIC is planned and delivered.
Partners

We and our partners are committed to breaking down silos to provide more joined up services for people with complex needs.
About multiple disadvantage

Without the right support, people facing multiple disadvantage can find themselves living vulnerable and often chaotic lives, experiencing poverty, stigma and discrimination.

How can you enter the 2023 London Marathon?

Want to run the London Marathon in 2023? Here's how- there is a free public ballot for the 2023 event and if you are unsuccessful you can always grab a charity space with Single Homeless Project.
Map of our services

Use our interactive map to see where we work on the ground
Our mission, vision & values

Our mission, vision and values inspire and challenge us as an organisation.
Swim Serpentine 2023

Morning slots available! Jump in for London’s premier open water swimming event - Swim Serpentine 2023 on Saturday 16th September. Every pound you raise will help us lift more Londoners out of homelessness, for good.
Psychologically Informed Environments (PIE)

The people we work with often have complex psychological and emotional needs. To address this, we use an approach known as PIE.
How we transform lives

Each day our work restores hope to homeless and vulnerable people with nowhere else to turn.
Supported accommodation

Our hostels and supported housing are a lifeline for homeless people who are at a point in their lives where they would struggle to live independently.
Volunteer vacancies

Could you volunteer your time, skills and talents to help homeless and vulnerable people to transform their lives?
Our history

Single Homeless Project was founded by a group of homeless people in the mid-1970s. Today, 40 years on, we still try to look at the world through our clients’ eyes.
A homelessness crisis

Homelessness has no place in 21st century London – yet we are in the grip of a homeless crisis.

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Do you believe everyone should have a place to call home and the chance to lead a fulfilling life? If so, we'd love to stay in touch! Read more