SJOG Hospitaller Services - Olallo House, London

Max Leung

Olallo House is a part of Out-of-Hospital Care Model (OOHCM) in a partnership in a North Central London Integrated Care Board (NCL ICB) and is a highly innovative homeless care project. It provides short-term accommodation for patients on discharge from hospital (improving hospital flow and preventing bed-blocking) and urgent step-up space for 'admission avoidance patients'.

OOHCM supports the speedy discharge from hospital to Olallo House, a 'home' providing holistic, trauma-informed support, enabling residents to realise positive changes and progress with their lives. Using a 'discharge to assess' approach, the Case Manager/Homeless Intermediate Care Team (HICT) undertake a needs assessment outside of hospital, identifying health/care support required and suitable longer-term accommodation for move-on.

The project was shortlisted in the two out of five categories of the Homeless Link Excellence Awards 2023. Excellence in supported housing which 'recognises high-quality, safe accommodation options for individuals or couples experiencing rough sleeping or homelessness' and best health and wellbeing initiative. This award celebrates health initiatives that are inclusive and accessible to everyone reducing health inequalities, and that are leading to improved physical and mental health outcomes enabling people to recover and remain well.

Even though Olallo House did not win on this occasion, we received welcome feedback from Kate Alaway, Head of Member Services Homeless Link: "Our panel of judges were however particularly impressed with how the partnership model brings together clinical expertise with psychologically informed care. They also commented on the importance placed on ensuring the individual remains connected with their 'home' borough so doesn't need to change their GP, social care or housing worker."

Our partner Jane Wilson, Head of System Coordination - Out of Hospital Care, Development and Population Health Directorate, NHS North Central London ICB stated: "It feels like the right time to say thank you, for all you do at Olallo. You are the best! Your strong person-centred approach to support our NCL ICS hospital clients to move on from homelessness, giving the person a home and allowing them to remain connected (where appropriate) to their NCL local area networks is making a difference to both NHS hospital flow and to the individuals. Thank you for working with NCL ICB and being part of the OOHCM."

The success of SJOG's Olallo House is directly related to the values and missions of its founders, the Hospitaller Order of Saint John of God https://sjog.uk/heritage.php and the Poor Servant of the Mother of God www.poorservants.org/our-work/, as well as its unique workforce which is culture-informed and responds to the need to the 'unseen and underserved population'.

Our new member of Olallo team, Max (King Sang) LEUNG, wrote: "Tonight I talked with our volunteer at the kitchen, and asked why he was so committed to serve us nearly every day. He put his palm on his heart, and told me genuinely that this was the way he repays the incredible hospitality, help and kindness he got from Olallo House. He still remembered when he was in hospital for many months. When the 'boss' of Olallo House, Pawel, and Whitney went to see him, they said to him "Come to Olallo House, we will take care of you!" As he was recalling the moment to me, I saw tears in his reddened eyes. I was deeply touched too. I felt I am so privileged to join SJOG's Olallo House, as well as the legacy we inherited.

In fact, I had an amazing debut. From the first day of work, I was welcomed by my big brother Mohammad and the whole team at Olallo. Mohammad gave me a thorough tutorial of the operation of the hostel. To keep the hostel running smoothly and safely, there were a lot of tasks! But Mohammad, our team leader, reassured me that he had also been here, as a newcomer, not long ago. "You may forget, but it's ok. Learn by doing!!!".

The past week has been filled with a lot of shadowing work, and (endless) online training. I enjoyed the time being with the residents, talking to them and supporting them. I am proud to say that I am now able to do floor safety check, room check, handover and most of the tasks regarding the hostel operation with more confidence now. And I am starting to learn a little bit about the medical and legal domain. I am grateful that my team members are always there to support me and teach me. Even Mei Po pops in from time-to-time to give me some guidance. A big thanks to all!

The atmosphere of this team made me feel like part of the family. Every typical shift is filled with diligently completed tasks and scattered with laughter here and there. Everyone is trying to make some jokes, making it a very pleasant 7.5 hours. I got loads of restaurants recommendations (and dating tips) from you guys.

And there were times when we might be busy, sick or occupied by matters, our colleagues are always willing to be there for each other. Every day, I am learning by example, seeing how our staff embodied the spirit of hospitality, compassion, and respect. We always put people first.

Pawel asks me what my biggest discovery about myself was after starting this job. I said it was my well-being. I felt that I am happy. In the job, I felt the acceptance from the team. Off work, I can leave office on-time (which was very rare in Hong Kong). I could enjoy a jog, a cultural performance, (or a date) under the pleasant midsummer sun.

As a new immigrant who came to the United Kingdom in May 2023, I am very lucky to get this job as a project worker at Olallo House. I uprooted and lost my identity when I left Hong Kong. Now, with this opportunity, I feel that my identity is forming. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for opening the doors to me."

The charity has recently been successful in winning a number of national awards. To read more please see: https://sjog.uk/news.php

To support the work of Olallo House, see: www.justgiving.com/campaign/SJOGOlallo