Directory:London:Merton:Merton Action for Single Homeless (MASH)

From EveryonesHome.org.uk

Merton Action for Single Homeless (MASH) Referral address

8 Wilton Road Colliers Wood London SW19 2HB Phone

020 8543 3677 Fax

020 8543 7336 Email

mertonaction@btconnect.com

Who the project is for ^ back to top Target group

Young single homeless people aged 16-21. Priority to those with a 6 month local connection to LB Merton. Will not accept

People with a history of violent crime. Those with drug or alcohol problems. People on conditional bail. AgeMinimum 16 Maximum 21 Average 18

How to get in ^ back to top Referral procedure

Self or agency referrals. Contact by phone (24 hours). If applicant meets criteria and there is a vacancy, interview arranged (usually same day). If successful, move in immediately. Must have proof of ID. May require list of previous convictions. Referral agencies

Accept self referrals or referrals from any agency. Vacancies are reserved for Merton HPU for the first 48 hours of a vacancy arising. Display vacancies on Homeless London. Vacancies

Weekly. No waiting list. Length of stayMinimum 3 nights Maximum 3 months Average 3 months

Staffing and support ^ back to top Support services

5 staff available 7am-12 midnight Mon-Fri and 8am-12 midnight at weekends, sleep-in cover. Keywork system, with compulsory weekly meetings. Action plans with agreed outcomes which are addressed in keywork sessions. Offer advice on benefits and housing, and can offer emotional support if required. Access to move-on

Staff help residents with finding more permanent accommodation. All residents are referred to a central nomination panel. Offer limited follow-up support if required. Accommodation ^ back to top Total spaces

9 Rooms (cost per week)

Single: 1 at £120.34 2 bed: 4 at £107.01 £7.28pw required from residents in receipt of benefits. FacilitiesFurnishings Rooms fully furnished. Baths 1 to 9 people Toilets 1 to 4 people Showers 1 to 9 people Laundry Yes TV Yes Other facilities Lounge, garden. Food Self catering. Cooking facilities One shared kitchen. Disabled facilities None.

Rules and policies ^ back to top House rules and tenure

Compulsory keywork meetings. Smoking not allowed. Licence agreement. Resident access

Must be out 10am-4pm Mon-Fri. Must be in by 11.30pm Mon-Fri, 12.30am weekends. Visitors

Yes, restricted to ground floor only, 6pm-10pm Mon-Fri, 12 noon-10pm weekends. No overnight guests. Policies

Target 50% women. User participation

Weekly residents' meetings. Resident representatives. Further information ^ back to top

MASH is a short stay emergency hostel for young single homeless people aged 16-21. Priority is given to those with a 6 month connection to LB Merton. Vacancies are initially offered to Merton Homeless Person's Unit for the first 48 hours of a vacancy arising, if the vacancy is not filled, then self and agency referrals are accepted. Staff offer support through formal keywork sessions. These occur weekly and address agreed action plans. Maximum length of stay is 12 weeks and the project aims to move residents on to more permanent accommodation. To be eligible for move-on via LB Merton, residents must have a local connection to LB Merton. Public transport

Colliers Wood tube - 5 minutes walk. Buses: 55, 57, 155, 200, 219.