Sir - Mathew Hatch-Diespecker’s situation (Homeless man wants more support Worcester News 21 November) is not uncommon but his ‘spell in Supported Accommodation’ hints there is more to his story than reported.
While Matthew waits for his appeal to the City Council over their decision not to give him 'priority need' getting him back into supported accommodation is essential. The evidence is incontrovertible; sleeping on the streets is not a health enhancing experience.
Putting another roof over his head is only the first step. If we have space at the hostel then our experienced team including Housing Managers will help him with the skills the needs to maintain any tenancy, manage his money, pay his rent and our Support Workers will teach him how to write a sharp CV, learn to cook and most importantly look for a job. On top of this we have an in-house councillor who will help him regain mental fitness, re-build confidence and improve his self-esteem. We can refer him to some of the state funded County-wide services if he needs them.
Support won’t stop there. We want Mathew to contribute to society so there's a wide range of activities for him to undertake at St Paul's or through our friends across this City. Mathew could volunteer with our trading subsidiary Second Chance Furnishings or help out with the group of volunteers that lend a hand to the Worcestershire Canal Trust tidying the Lowsmoor stretch of the canal, or he may wish to join our numeracy and literacy group or attend the excellent Good Soil Project. In this way he will develop the skills he will need in his life; teamwork, communication skills and taking responsibility for himself. All will improve his work-readiness.
If Mathew takes up a place at St Paul's a member of our staff will help him unknot the problems he faces and support him to live the life he was made for. All we ask is that he abides by our licence agreement - no drugs or alcohol on site - he pays the weekly contribution for staying at the hostel, demonstrates respect for others and – the most important part - he decides to knuckle down and engage with the expertise that will be offered to him.
I’d be grateful if anyone who knows Mathew might point him to Tallow Hill Hostel (01905 723729) so we can help him.
Jonathan Sutton
Chief Executive
St Paul’s Hostel Worcester
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