Hub is a hive of activity to support homeless
AMAT UK has been nominated for an award for their Hive community project. The community space in Medway designed as a hub to support those struggling with issues related to housing.
The Hive is a community space that offers access to many different kinds of services for the homeless, depending on individual needs. AMAT UK recognise that those who struggle with issues related to housing often have or develop other problems, whether this be poor mental health, substance misuse or domestic abuse and that it is often overwhelming and difficult for people to seek and receive the proper support for themselves.
They understand that these issues are often interlinked and as a result need to be tackled via a holistic approach to a person’s wellbeing. The purpose of The Hive is to provide vulnerable adults with such a network of support to help them back on their feet, working with several organisations to offer advice with housing, benefits, and access to counselling and medical help.
At The Hive, there is an IT suite that individuals can use to access the internet, manage their benefits and apply for jobs. There is also a shower room, free to use, for people who do not have access to washing facilities. Appointments can be made in advance to access support services or be referred to supported accommodation by chatting with a member of The Hive team. There is also a lively social calendar with a wide range of events, activities and classes from cookery to choir, to help with meeting new people in a safe environment which in turn reduces levels of loneliness and exclusion, and helps to foster new talents and skills.
The nominator said: “I was totally blown away with the facilities that are there for vulnerable and homeless people to access. The fact that you can access help and advice about housing and benefits, see a nurse, access free counselling, speak to someone about addiction or or go to many different events under one roof so that people don’t feel lonely or excluded, I think makes it a really special project.”
The Kent Mental Wellbeing awards is an annual event designed to showcase the people, organisations and initiatives that help us cope with life. The event’s three themes are: kindness and compassion; wellbeing; mental health.
Whether it is in school, business, community or family, so many of us have been lucky to have people and organisations with ideas, tips and tactics to help us cope. It is time to celebrate those mental health and well-being champions in our community and share this best practice.
The awards will be staged in October by the mental health charity Mind in Bexley and East Kent in collaboration with a range of wellbeing and mental health organisations.
Nominations can be linked to a simple act of kindness that lifted the spirits, a business that has improved staff wellbeing, through to a targeted initiative delivered by a charity or statutory organisation to support a mental health issue.
The event is sponsored by Kent County Council, Kent Community Foundation, ADM Computing, GrainLNG – National Grid, Medway Council, Optyma Security, Wave Community Bank, Cactus Graphics, Ble Global and CommunityAid.
Submit nominations at www.kentmentalwellbeingawards.org.uk For awards news follow @KentMWAwards on Facebook and X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
