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What is Bluebird?
Bluebird is a 56 bed development in Southchurch Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, comprising the refurbishment of three existing properties, alongside six brand new houses built to environmentally friendly PassivHaus standards.
Using innovative building techniques and providing a secure and serene base for recovery, Bluebird provides Supported Housing to those with medium and complex needs at HARP, giving residents blue skies and bright futures before moving on to independent living.
Alongside the 50 room accommodation, the Bluebird site will host a new Learning For Life educational centre, allowing residents to take up training opportunities to further aid the journey towards independence.
Jack
HARP Client
Jack first became homeless when he was just 19 years old. Things got worse when his dad died suddenly and he turned to drink and drugs as a coping mechanism.
"I'd never really done anything to sort my life out before but the people at HARP were really nice. They could tell I was scared and tried to make me feel comfortable. The staff spoke to me like I’m human and supported me with no judgement – they didn’t look down their noses at me.”
Read Jack's story in full here.
Who is Bluebird for?
Bluebird houses a mixture of clients with medium and complex needs. It consists of 35 low to medium needs, and 21 complex needs bed spaces.
For people experiencing homelessness, early intervention is key. If support can be given early in life, repeat cases of homelessness can be prevented, and people are more likely to avoid getting stuck in the revolving door of homelessness.
Why is Bluebird needed?
According to the UK Government, nationally there was a 26% rise in the number of people found sleeping rough from 2021 to 2022.
In total, we work with around 1,000 people every year.
In the year ending February 2023, HARP helped 1,050 people. Many had complex needs with 62% reporting a history of drug misuse, and 60% reporting ill mental health.
The ongoing, and soon to worsen, Cost of Living Crisis is expected to push more local people into homelessness, so the affordable Supported Accommodation and support provided by Bluebird is needed more than ever.
Matthew
HARP Floating Support Team Manager
Matthew and his Floating Support Team manage Bluebird on a day to day basis, including providing tailored support for residents.
“We aim to help people by supporting them with any problems they might be experiencing, whilst also giving them the opportunity to learn about budgeting, encouraging them to learn new skills and helping them to take steps crucial towards starting successful careers so that they can move away from homelessness for good.”
How is Bluebird managed?
Bluebird is managed seven days a week by a team of dedicated HARP staff, fully trained in supporting people to overcome homelessness.
Our team works with residents to build an action plan based on support, accommodation and meaningful activity, in order to provide a platform for moving away from homelessness and on to independence.
See for yourself
