Exploring homelessness part 2 – through the eyes of Kelly.

Meet Kelly a recovery worker in the Portsmouth homeless drug and alcohol team.

Homelessness, substance misuse and poor mental health are often linked, creating a complex array of challenges for individuals struggling to rebuild their lives. In Portsmouth, a dedicated team is working tirelessly to support people in such situations.

The team support people currently living on the streets of Portsmouth, people living in temporary accommodation while battling substance misuse issues and/or poor mental health and also those at risk of homelessness. Kelly is one of their dedicated Recovery Workers and in the video, we spend a typical day with Kelly and meet some of her colleagues within the team.

Kelly provides a link to different services across Portsmouth to gain the support people need. This is vital because the people they work with are often overlooked or forgotten by the wider system. She is part of the Portsmouth homeless drug and alcohol team, a specialised and diverse group of professionals tackling the tough realities of homelessness and addiction. The team work with people who are “harder to engage,” those whose needs are complex and often require a multifaceted approach.

The team works to secure long-term, suitable accommodation for the people they support, ensuring their individual support needs are considered every step of the way. They provide vital support in reducing substance misuse, guiding individuals towards rehabilitation programmes, and helping them rebuild their lives.

Kelly’s role as a Recovery Worker is multifaceted. She’s a listener, a support system, and an advocate. She works directly with clients walking alongside them to build trust and helping them navigate the often confusing and broken system. She helps them access resources, connect with other support providers, and develop strategies for managing their addiction and maintaining their housing.

But Kelly isn’t alone. The team is a powerful combination of professionals, each bringing unique skills and experience to the table. Alongside Recovery Workers like Kelly, you’ll find peer mentors – individuals with lived experience of homelessness or substance misuse who can offer unique insights and empathy. The team also includes a social worker, assistant psychologists, and a clinical psychologist, ensuring that people have access to a full range of support, from practical assistance to mental health care.

This collaborative approach is crucial when dealing with complex issues. The team recognises that homelessness and addiction are often intertwined with mental health challenges, trauma, and a lack of access to resources. By working together, they can address these issues holistically, providing tailored support that meets each individual’s unique needs.

Kelly and the Portsmouth homeless drug and alcohol team are a testament to the power of
compassion, dedication, and teamwork.

How you can help:

• Spread awareness: Share this blog post, raise awareness and reduce stigma relating to homelessness in your community.
• Donate: Support the Society of St James to continue to provide essential services to people who are experiencing homelessness.
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By understanding the challenges faced by people who are homeless and by supporting us, we can continue to deliver vital services and end homelessness across Hampshire. You can be part of the solution to ending homelessness in our community. For more information, please visit our website. 

Exploring Homelessness: This is a 3-part series exploring homelessness in your community. We have been following some of our dedicated support workers carrying out daily support work across the different services that the Society of St James deliver. Look out for part 3 throughout 2025.