Look Ahead and AGS staff after the visit
Tom Copley and members his team joined a video call with Look Ahead staff and partners to see the site in South London. Responding to the pressing need for emergency accommodation due to the coronavirus pandemic, this service provides over 100 placements for rough sleepers who would otherwise not have anywhere to go to shield or during lockdown.
Copley toured the facilities and spent time with staff and partners to hear about their experiences and impact that this service has made on those in need. While this visit virtual with participants onsite wearing masks or socially distant, Copley was able speak with a variety of staff onsite, including hearing directly from two guests currently staying at the service.
Funded by the Greater London Authority (GLA) and delivered by Look Ahead, this site emergency accommodation is a testament to partnership through every step of service delivery. Cross-sector collaboration across GLA, NHS, boroughs, specialist providers, staffing agencies, hotel management, mental health providers has been critical to ensuring even in uncertain times, quality services are available to all.
Look Ahead
We were pleased to virtually host Tom Copley and his team, even if through a screen. Having the opportunity to speak about the experience of working or living at the hotel was really appreciated by everyone. Tom was glowing in his praise, which meant a lot to the team to have their hard work recognised
Ryan Burke, Emergency Accommodation Manager, gives Tom Copley the virtual tour
This site accommodates guests who are shielding or self-isolating, where they have access to testing and care. In addition, there is an onsite resettlement worker to help support hotel guests to transition to their next step.
We want to thank Tom Copley and the Greater London Authority for their visit and for their role in providing accommodation at such a critical time.
Look Ahead delivers a number of homelessness and complex needs services across London and the South East. To find out more, please contact BusinessDevelopment@lookahead.org.uk. You can also read more about our services here.
