Community Inclusion
At Turning-Tides we work with people to help them gain independent and stable accommodation but also, to be able to lead fulfilling lives within our community. Social Inclusion enables people and communities to participate in society and to make meaningful, mutually beneficial connections with one another.
We are firmly committed to the integration and inclusion of homeless men and women in our community. As a community, we support each other in the development of practical skills and pursue opportunities essential for personal growth and life stability.
Community Inclusion looks to rebuild the trust people have in themselves and in others. By creating a stable and positive environment we hope to encourage personal growth, resilience and independence so that each client we work with can become fully integrated into their community, fulfilling the lives they hoped for.
Many of our clients tell us they feel lonely because they are cut off from others and society. Our Community Inclusion workers strive to reconnect homeless men and women with the wider community through various workshops, activities and clubs, many of which are co-produced alongside clients.
Community Inclusion Workers have a number of clients across the county who they also support individually. Practical and emotional support is provided to those clients who have moved out of our accommodation and live independently. It is important to help them settle into their new environment to ensure they can sustain independence.
The Community Inclusion team work alongside specialist support within Turning Tides’ Community Hubs and Multi-Disciplinary team. Alongside, this team we work closely with the local authority and wellbeing departments to focus on sustainable outcomes for our clients once they have been resettled within the local community.
Some of the activities and schemes we run:
- Befriending Scheme: local community volunteers are matched with people who are socially isolated, encouraging friendship between the pair and a greater sense of community engagement
- Skills-based workshops: such as cookery, budgeting, money management, computing and IT etc
- Art, Reading and Music groups: encouraging self-development and resilience through creative exploration
- Education and Training sessions: linking with local education providers to support people back into work and education
- Community events: committed to supporting local events, such as the Worthing Artists Open Houses, to breakdown stigma and affirm positive links with wider community
- OutReach Café: provides a supportive base, alongside peers, for previous clients to return to for support and signposting to external resources.
A new chapter for Paul
I am unable to share much of my experiences of homelessness. I still feel incredibly anxious now recalling that time in my life – particularly my state of mind, the way I was treated and the awful experiences I had living on the street, constantly feeling afraid and alone.
So often feeling despised, avoided or even abused by members of the public, any small act of kindness or human warmth – a kind word or a smile – is perhaps ultimately the most valuable form of sustenance to a suffering person who is homeless.
Turning Tides was there for me when it mattered most and helped me turn my life around. I am securely housed and happy and I intend to volunteer with gardening and tree planting, to exercise and to lead a healthy and happy social life.
Help us to make a difference
There are so many ways you can support homeless men and women in your community. By supporting us – you are supporting those most vulnerable.
We run an annual programme of amazing events that you can come to or sponsor, or share with others. We recruit volunteers and staff to support the projects we run across the county. We welcome students to join us for their professional placements. We encourage businesses to join us on or DIY days to spruce up an area for our clients whether a garden, bedroom or lounge.
One thing we can promise you is that however you get involved – you will have made a difference.
