The First Step Assessment (FSA) service is commissioned by Exeter City Council (ECC). Accommodating customers who have experienced rough sleeping by the outreach team or those accommodated in ECC emergency temporary accommodation.
Referrals are made via the Access to Accommodation Hub (A2A), a group of statutory and non-statutory agencies, which work collaboratively to find the best housing solutions for customers.
FSA provides up to 27 units of single and couples accommodation across 3 sites across Exeter, Morwenna Court, Centurion House and The Junction. This accommodation comprises of a mixture of self-contained flats, single and double rooms, and communal living. The Junction is utilised when Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) is initiated, accommodating additional customers who are experiencing rough sleeping whilst SWEP is in place.
The FSA staffing team consists of 1 x Full time Senior Practitioner, 2 x Full time Support Workers, and 2 x part time Support Workers alongside a day Intensive Housing Officer.
The service is staffed 8am -6pm 7 days a week with additional overnight staffing available when required.
During their stay, customers are supported to access support for a wide range of issues that have often contributed to their homelessness. The team work collaboratively with partners to provide a high level of support for customers; this is with the aim of finding a housing solution that meets the needs of the customer. Customers are supported to engage in meaningful activities such as sports, exercise, art, volunteering and many more.