Since its formation earlier this year, the Office of Homelessness has been supporting the homelessness system transition towards achieving better outcomes for people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.
Multi-agency responses and proactive engagement approaches have proved to be pivotal to progressing the priorities outlined in the All Paths Lead to Home: Western Australia’s 10-Year Strategy on Homelessness 2020-2030.
Recently, the Office of Homelessness team facilitated a Training Workshop, requested by City of Vincent, City of Perth and the WA Police – Perth Police Station.
The workshop was held as part of the Department of Communities Safe Perth City Initiative which provides outreach services for those sleeping rough and co-ordinates service delivery and multi-agency responses.
Workshop participants included local government rangers, engagement and liaison Council staff as well as police officers and personnel from Perth Police Station.
Cultural training was provided by Communities Aboriginal practice leader Jamie Jackson who shared knowledge on how to apply a cultural lens across outreach, servicing, strategic approaches and workings.
“Participants were provided training on Aboriginal cultural competency and learnt about – techniques they need to provide the right culturally appropriate response and be able to put their learnings into practice," Jamie said.
Gayle Mitchell, manager of the Office of Homelessness, provided insights on trauma informed practice and how service providers can recognise trauma and tailor engagement to maximise their ability to work with individuals that have complex needs.
“Prolonged periods of rough sleeping have a significant impact on individuals, the more complex needs someone has, the more help they will need to move forward. Toolbox training helps service providers recognise trauma and identify the most appropriate way to engage and support people who are homelessness, especially those experiencing rough sleeping,” Gayle said.
Zara Wakely, acting program director for homelessness coordination and Safe Perth City Initiative project lead said providing culturally appropriate service delivery and using trauma informed practice and engagement will help us to better connect with people sleeping rough in Perth CBD.
“Ultimately the training we provide to upskill staff will provide numerous benefits in the future and support staff to respond in a person-centred way to highly vulnerable individuals,” Zara said.
Since February the Safe Perth City Initiative has achieved results thanks to the successful work across all levels of government and community and innovative approaches to service delivery.
“Working together and sharing knowledge is the way forward to achieving our collective aspirations of ending homelessness in Western Australia,” Zara said.
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