H is for holistic

By Deb Parker

What does it mean when we say we work holistically with our young people?  One definition of Holistic is: dealing with or treating the whole of something or someone and not just a part.

H is not just for Homelessness; there is always more to a person than being just homeless, there is a reason behind it, often complex and often challenging.  We look at the person, not the problem and assess together how we can help.

​We believe that we offer an all-round support package for our young people.  When they access one of our services, we get to know them, welcome them and together see what we can do to help each individual on their journey, whether it be enrolling on Unlocking Potential to develop employability skills, Family Mediation if home life is not happy or Counselling if they have problems and anxieties that they need to talk about.  If we can’t help with a young person’s issues, if they are more specialised, we have links with local partnerships who can help such as Turning Point or Mind.

​We think of each young person as a whole person not as a problem.  We work not only with them but with their families when needed.  We feed them, offer a variety of healthy foods and encourage positive choices.  We encourage socialisation and promote aspirations in a non-judgemental environment.  That is what we mean by working with a young person holistically.