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The move
This stage, originally written for the Resettlement Handbook(1998), has been revised and updated thanks to Mike Seal's critique of it in his excellent "Resettling Homeless People: theory and practice" published by Russell House Publishing, 2005. The critique is part of the 12th chapter: An Operational Model for Resettlement revisited.
The move is the most vulnerable time for the client, and must be supported well. Seal says practitioners describe it as a flashpoint. For clients, the move can be the first time they realise the fallacy of the mantra 'the flat will make things sorted'.
Aims
- To ensure practical support on the day.
- To ensure emotional support on the day.
Practical Tasks
The resettlement worker should:
- ensure that transportation is booked for the move
- discuss with the client who if anyone might be available to help them move and settle in.
- co-ordinate with the client and the place where they are currently staying, to ensure that they are packed and ready to go, at the appointed time
- ensure that the client has the basic household items with which to move.
- discuss with the client what they will need and want to be comfortable on the first night. This will include:
- bed and bedding
- fridge
- cooker
- basic cutlery and crockery
- kettle and cooking utensils.
While this seems so universal and basic, it is important and realistic to recall that in some circumstances, despite the best will in the world in regards to applying for grants and obtaining items in advance, in reality
"People will rarely have a community care grant before they move. Restrictions in terms of health and safety mean that furniture resource projects are limited in what furniture they can give people. Consequently people often move in with little or no furniture."
Emotional tasks
In mitigating for the impact of these circumstances, don't forget that as workers, we don't necessarily know best and while we might list the above as essentials for the first night, some clients may be used to a lot less for long periods. Discuss with the person what they will do on the first evening for example, that will make them know they are in their own place. It might be sitting on the sofa with a glass of wine, it might be the sound of the door closing and there being quiet.
"Often the clients' list of essential items is not the above list but - what makes us feel at home: television, radio, company, a drink!"
Mike Seal also quotes a personal experience with a client in support of the importance of this discussion taking place rather than a checklist being ticked,
" One woman, who had been through domestic violence, felt that as long as she had the wherewithal to wash she would be ok. This was a far cry from the bed, bedding and cooker I would prioritise."
- calm the client if they get stressed. Moving is at a high level in the stress table!
Advocacy
- The resettlement worker will try to make sure that the client has someone else with them e.g. a friend or neighbour etc.
Standards
- The client feels prepared and confident to move.
- Details on the day are clear, back up plans in place if necessary
Evaluation
- Was there practical and emotional support on the day of the move?
- Was the transportation booked and appropriate for the move?
- Did the client have the basic household items with which to move?
- Did the client have in place whatever it was they thought would help them feel at home?
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