Unique project offering lifeline to rough sleepers with 'complex needs' wins national recognition

Manager Paweł Zabielski with image of founder Saint John of God

A unique project which offers a place of warmth and safety to rough sleepers with 'complex needs' in particular those going through treatment for TB, sometimes victims of trafficking - who have No Recourse to Public Funds - has just been given 'Highly Commended' status in the Homeless Link Awards.

Olallo House, run by Saint John of God Hospitaller Services (SJOG) (which was set up by Saint John of God Hospitaller Order and the Poor Servants of the Mother of God) achieved the status in the 'People First' category. This celebrates services that are "inclusive and compassionate through ensuring the people they support are at the centre of what they do, working alongside people to help them leave homelessness behind".

In addition to successfully supporting people getting through TB treatment, Olallo is first and foremost a "home" providing holistic, trauma informed support enabling residents to realise positive changes and move on in their lives.

Paweł Zabielski, Service Manager at Olallo, told ICN: "Each person is totally different. Many have limited English - so each member of the team is at least bilingual to respond to the diversity of the guests." (They speak 12 languages at the moment). Guests are referred to Olallo House by various partners including the NHS, charity sector, Local Authorities and sometimes embassies and consulates. After an assessment, they are offered specialist support depending on the problems they face. They will have a comfortable bedroom to call their own while staying, and offered nutritious food and drink with four meals a day provided. There are shared communal facilities with a laundry and activity groups.

Paweł said often TB patients are rapidly discharged from hospital with medicine to last six months - the minimum treatment time for the disease. But he said: "When we began, people were stopping their treatments too early. They simply lacked the space to store and take their medicine. Treatment at home is designed for the general population, but we work with those most vulnerable on the fringes of society. Our guests need support and encouragement to get into good routines, but after a while here it is good to see a person with TB gaining weight as their treatment progresses."

Olallo House opened its doors for the first time on the 29th December 2008, when dinner was served to the first 12 homeless people welcomed into this place of warmth and safety. Since then, more than 3000 people have passed through here.

Born in Gdynia on Poland's Baltic coast, Paweł's mother ran a centre for people with disabilities. His sister is also a social worker. Paweł studied social work in Krakow. One year - before the EU - he came to England on a visit and loved it here. For a time he was a volunteer with 'Action Reconciliation Service for Peace - ARSP' a German charity working with people with mental health needs. Then he got a permanent job with Coventry Mind (now Coventry and Warwickshire Mind). This led to a partnership between Poland and MIND.

"My dissertation was on the MIND Drop-in Centre and Polish day centres" he said. "This went on to be used as a 'working document' for Polish Local Authority and enable to set the first of its' kind Drop-in Centre in Poznan (Poland)"

Olallo House has been seen as a model for the treatment of TB patients. A study undertaken by UCL found that patients cared for at Olallo between 2010 and 2019 were three times more likely to complete their treatment than all other TB cases in London during that time. Pawel says he believes this is because Olallo House has very holistic, personal approach. Each person is treated as a unique individual. Guests are respected and given a say in their treatment. "By treating them as equals we try to empower them to dream of having a better future," Paweł said.

Recalling the proverb: "If you give a man a fish you feed him for a day. Teach him to fish and he can eat for a lifetime." Paweł said: "When they arrive, often these people don't have the strength to hold a fishing rod. They are not aware they are hungry. We try to empower them to recognise their 'hunger' and support them to build their strengths, before going fishing."

Today's award is not the first Olallo has earned this year. In July they were inspected by Care Quality Commission (CQC) which did not identify any areas of improvement on that occasion. In October they were 'Highly Commended' for the London Homelessness Award which was led by London Housing Foundation. They were also nominated by the local Mental Health Team Focus for the Anti-Slavery Day Awards 2021: Outstanding Contributions - Rebuilding Lives Category of the Human Traffic Foundation.

Paweł speaks highly of his co-workers. He said: "We have a very diverse of team - different ages and nationalities which gives unique in-depth expertise in life and culture awareness. The mission and the atmosphere is amazing. Working with the Sisters and the Brothers here is wonderful."

Currently Olallo House is the only centre of its kind, but SJOG hope it can serve as a model for more centres around the UK. Saint John of God, founder of the Hospitallers began caring for sick poor people in 1539 with one rented house in Granada, Spain. His Order now has a presence in 53 countries - operating more than 300 hospitals, services and centres.

LINKS

If you wish to support Olallo's mission you can do this by donating via: www.justgiving.com/campaign/SJOGOlallo

For more information about Olallo House see: www.sjog-hmds.uk/olallo-house.php

Follow on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/sjog_uk

St John of God - www.indcatholicnews.com/saint/73