Why So Assertive?

Many entrenched rough sleepers have been consistently failed by numerous services, producing an erosion of trust and confidence that can lead to complete disengagement from support. Such individuals are highly unlikely to recover whilst refusing assistance.

AO rectifies this by significantly improving upon traditional outreach models. This is achieved through a combination of persistence, flexibility and empathy. Using a person-centered approach that is tailored to each client, it thus comprehensively meets all of their needs, from healthcare, to finances, to accommodation. AO also utilises the “Psychology Informed Environment” approach as many of our clients have been the victims of trauma that subsequently results in complex needs such as severe mental health disorders and substance use.

Through repeated contact across regular meetings, a gradual sense of trust is restored and the client becomes re-engaged with the case worker as they recognise their commitment to helping them recover.

Reaching for the Sky

According to Homeless NSW there are three stages of the AO process to follow with entrenched rough sleepers:

• Pre-engagement: Offer the client a courtesy meal of their choosing. Explain Dim Yma, its philosophy, aims and projects. Observe and identify any serious current crisis that needs to be immediately addressed via purchase of essential items. Register their consent as a client of Dim Yma and ensure they fully understand the schemes we offer.
• Engagement: Focus on building trust and rapport with clients via regular visits and assistance with essential needs such as healthcare appoints and DWP claims. Subsequently establish a working partnership using a series of goals with the Flexi-Budget to achieve whilst also setting worker and client boundaries.
• Formal relationships: Following the establishment of the above, this stage of work moves towards identifying strengths and challenges with the aim of moving towards sustained housing solutions The Flexi-Budget is also enhanced to cater for non-essentially items to improve clients well-being and to encourage them to move away from negative habits and social circles linked to substance use.As of April 2024, Dim Yma has achieved formal relationships with all current clients.

We Assert It Works

Whilst not sufficient on its own, AO is recognised as one of the core tenets underpinning successful outcomes with clients when used in conjunction with other schemes. For example, Prof. Parsell has found service users emphasised the importance of having their own freedom and ‘frames of thinking’ were crucial for the benefits:

• Staffing stability and commitment
• Having a holistic approach
• Support with practical day-to-day issues
• Having an active role in decisions.

AO hence serves as the first street of Dim Yma’s Recovery Roadmap. We’ve had multiple successes using this approach, particularly when combined with Flexi-Budget, including:

• Arranging and accompanying emergency dental appointments.
• Organising and escorting hospital check ups.
• Managing of PIP claims for clients with multiple awards obtained.
• Funding psychiatric assessments, diagnosis and treatment.

AO Fundamentals

AO Outcomes