Working with Look Ahead Care and Support to deliver Kent Homeless Connect, we provide accommodation and support at The Quays which provides you with a stable home, focuses on your strengths and empowers you to take the next step towards independence and break the cycle of homelessness.

The Quays provides support and accommodation to vulnerable homeless adults aged 18 and over, with complex support needs, e.g., mental health, substance misuse, trauma, who are rough sleeping, homeless, at risk of homelessness or impacted by homelessness.

The Quays provides:

• Supported accommodation – for people within Kent Homeless Connect who have low to medium support needs.
• Step Down accommodation – for people who are ready to leave supported accommodation, but need additional support before moving onto independent living.

From referral, our experienced Coaches will:

• Support you to access services within the community to lead a healthier, more independent life (e.g. Doctors, drug/alcohol services, training and education etc).
• Work with you to identify what your skills, passions and interests are and how we can make the most of these to increase your independence.
• Explore move-on accommodation options with you, developing a resettlement plan from day one.
• Develop a support plan with you that makes the most of your strengths, sets out your aspirations and lets us know how we can best support you to achieve them.

Facilities and Services
Our service provides:

• 40 bedrooms with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities for people in need of supported accommodation.
• 20 self-contained flats for people leaving supported accommodation, but who might need a little bit of extra support before moving on to independent living.

When you’ve settled in at The Quays, you will be able to access:

• A full timetable of activities to get involved in, from practical life skills sessions, to activities focussed on mindfulness, to hobbies and cultural events.
• Multi-purpose training and education facility – providing professional and educational, IT literacy and numeracy, vocational courses.
• Training kitchen – courses on how to cook on a budget, food and hygiene certification.
• Fully equipped gymnasium with a qualified personal trainer.
• One to one support and tailored support plans built around your strengths and aspirations.
• In-house multi partnership working, e.g. Canterbury College, Swale Your Way, counsellors etc.
• Dedicated staff and 24-hour support.
• Advice on move-on and resettlement options.

How it works
All referrals are made through Kent Homeless Connect, which you can access directly or via your Local Authority.

We’ll help you find appropriate move-on accommodation via Local Authority, private landlords or specialist longer term supported accommodation once you’re ready, with six months follow-on support.

Why we are different
More than housing, we empower you to take more control in all areas of your life to maximise your independence. You will already have many of the skills and strengths required to recover from homelessness and lead a more independent life. Our Coaches’ will support you to develop these strengths and achieve your aspirations.  

Criteria for applications
Kent Homeless Connect supports vulnerable homeless adults who meet all of the below criteria:

• aged 18 and over;
• are residing in Kent;
• with complex support needs, e.g., mental health, substance misuse, trauma;
• who are currently:
  • rough sleeping
  • homeless
  • at risk of homelessness; or
  • impacted by homelessness.

For more information
If you would like to make a referral to Kent Homeless Connect, you can either:

• Fill in the online form on the Kent Homeless Connect website
• Call the 24-hour helpline on 0800 567 7699
• Approach your Local Authority requesting a referral.

If you would like general information about what’s going on at The Quays, please contact us either by telephone: 01795 471376 or email: [email protected]

The Quays, Crown Quay Lane, Sittingbourne, ME10 3JN