Bath Homeless Guide
Kerry Headen has been employed as Bath Abbey’s Homelessness Initiative Manager since June 2008. This followed several years of review and concern regarding the situation faced by those without homes in the city, and those who work with them. This led to a reconvening of the Homelessness Partnership, a regular meeting of all the agencies working across this field in Bath and North East Somerset, and a renewed commitment and enthusiasm to work together. Future Bath Plus, the local philanthropist Brian Roper, and Bath Abbey have provided financial support to the role.
Kerry has since been tasked with encouraging these agencies to work in partnership to deliver cohesive, co-ordinated, and comprehensive support and advice to all, and to raise awareness of these services. To this end, Kerry works as Secretary for the Homelessness Partnership and Core Group, and has responsibility for information sharing with all relevant services and agencies. Kerry has worked as a member of a multi agency forum to consider issues of temporary accommodation and access to the privately rented sector; the needs of street drinkers, and others with a street based culture; contributed to discussions regarding empty properties across the city; and considered issues and practical solutions for those currently facing barriers to employment. With the support of the Abbey congregation, Kerry was responsible for the publication of the Bath Homelessness Guide.
To Download the Bath Homeless Guide and gain more information click here
Future plans include the organisation and promotion of an Employment Support Services Fair, for support workers across all disciplines in the County. The event will provide an opportunity to inform and advise those working with people who face barriers to employment, about the Services available to support their return to work. Further engagement between these Services, support workers, and Service Users, is being considered, to enable employment, education and training to become an achievable aspiration for all.
Contact Kerry - Homeless Initiative Manager
