Our Services
An inadequate supply of affordable accommodation has pushed record numbers of people into homelessness in recent years. As well as housing, people need support in a number of areas so that they can leave homelessness behind. Galway Simon offers a range of services to meet the needs of people who are homeless or are at risk of homelessness.
This service supports people with a history of sleeping rough and long-term users of emergency homeless accommodation with high and complex mental health and addiction needs. Stable housing is seen as a basis for recovery and reintegration, Housing First aims to provide immediate access to permanent housing without preconditions.
Clients of homeless services are often impacted by complex disadvantage and trauma. They require secure housing with the necessary support to manage difficulties as they arise. We provide accommodation to people who live independently but who may also need ongoing support to manage day to day challenges which may put them at risk of homelessness.
Galway Simon offers clients placements in transitional housing. These are supported housing options for single people. Usually 2 to 3 people share accommodation and have the ongoing support of a key worker who helps each individual to access the support they need and find pathways to housing.
My Home Service is a collaboration with the HSE Mental Health Service which supports adults in long-stay mental health facilities to move into independent living, with ongoing support provided by Galway Simon Community. This pilot project was launched in 2020 in partnership with the HSE and the Local Authorities in County Galway and Roscommon.
Men’s High Support consists of three fully staffed residential services and provides accommodation for 20 men with varying support needs. Our emphasis is around supporting clients with both their physical and mental wellbeing. We work within the Harm Reduction Model and apply a Trauma Informed Approach.
Our Emergency Service provides temporary accommodation to men experiencing homelessness in Galway city. While staying at this service, the men are also supported in their search to secure longer term accommodation. This service provides accommodation for up to 14 men at any one time.
We recognise that women who are homeless need to feel safe and secure, especially women who have a history of trauma and abuse. We provide a range of services for women, including a High Support Residential Service for single women and prevention services aimed at resolving the housing needs of women and families at risk of homelessness.
We support young adults aged 18-25 who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness in Galway city and county, through our supported accommodation service, those living within the community and those living in their own tenancies. The aim is to strengthen each individual’s independent living skills and competencies so they can go on to live fully independent lives.
Galway Simon work with people at all points of the homelessness spectrum. Where people are at risk of homelessness we will provide a comprehensive assessment and planning service. Within Galway City and County we have a focus on rapid resettlement, diversion from homelessness, as well as tenancy sustainment.
The risk and likelihood of homelessness is always most pronounced amongst people who are already experiencing social exclusion. These Services are tailored to respond to the needs of people who have experienced multiple adverse events throughout their lives. Clients have access to services such as Addiction Counselling, Community Detox Supports, GP and Nursing Services, Occupational Therapy and Psychology.
Our Street Outreach Team provide health related supports to people who are rough sleeping in Galway City. In Galway County our housing support staff work with people who are rough sleeping to assist them to access supports and accommodation. Our new mobile health unit will enable us to provide the range of services available at any GP practice surgery.
This clinic helps support people who wish to detoxify from benzodiazepines and who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness. We employ a client centred approach, with a keyworker and a designated GP working in partnership with the client towards mutually identified treatment goals, to support clients to reduce or stop their use of benzodiazepines.
People who have been homeless, benefit from focused support to assist them to access socially valued roles and re-engage with their local community. Through providing clients with focused guidance and coaching, access to community activities, adult education and employment they have an opportunity to thrive and move on from homelessness.