Support When it Matters: Building Futures for Black and Ethnic Minorities

I wanted to write personally to thank you, and all of those at Support When It Matters, for your work supporting vulnerable adults with Afro-Carribean heritage experiencing homelessness in London. I know how important the work of SWIM is. It is unacceptable that anyone in London, including those facing multiple disadvantages, should have to sleep rough. It is vital that people sleeping rough in the capital receive specialist support quickly that meets their needs. Your expertise and innovative approach in services such as Peter Paul House and Plaistow Grove are examples of how this can be done well. Your commitment to providing holistic support through these new housing projects has shown the importance of delivering a truly person centred, culturally sensitive, holistic service, and is already having an impact. I am pleased to be supporting this unique programme. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication helping vulnerable Londoners to find a route off the street and being able to rebuild their lives.

Sadiq Khan

Mayor of London

In Maggie and I’s experience you and SWIM have proven to be adaptable and pro-active in all areas of work. In multi-agency forums your communication is timely and well-informed, willing to take the initiative and support others with a solution-based approach. A key strength is the holistic approach you take to casework, evidenced by an ability to place individual tasks in the wider context of a client's needs and risks. This has a tendency to support effective outcomes by encouraging client engagement and achieving practical tasks such as access to benefits or obtaining identification documents. SWIM are an important and effective part of the Hackney offender management network.

Chris Fawcett

Senior Probation Officer, Hackney and City (HAC4)

I cannot thank you enough, Lynton. This is above and beyond and allows the room to be given to someone homeless. Not only do you divert people from prison, but you’ve also helped get someone accommodated by doing this. I can’t thank you enough.

David Masterson

Probation Officer

Wow Amy. You didn't just facilitate an excellent group; you bring so much more to the service; you're amazing, Amy and it shines through.

Jane Lee

Deputy Services Manager, Safeguarding Lead

Elisha, it was a pleasure meeting you yesterday at the "Improving Outcomes for Black Children and Young People's Mental Health in City and Hackney" event. I was truly impressed by your work at SWIM ENterprises and your dedication to providing invaluable support and guidance to individuals facing challenges such as poor mental health, substance misuse, homelessness and who are involved with the Criminal Justice System.

Ivana Kolar

Father Friendly Coproduction Assistant Manager