Extern's Multi-Disciplinary Homeless Support Team is a Belfast-based outreach team working in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and Belfast Health & Social Care Trust to provide assistance, support, and advocacy, to adults and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Assessment, intervention and review are important aspects of the work of the team. Key to the Multi-Disciplinary Homeless Support Team (MDHST) is the requirement to work with people with complex additional needs relating to:

• diagnosed and undiagnosed mental health
• substance misuse
• physical health issues
• offending backgrounds
• learning disability
• family issues

Operating since 1998, the MDHST encompasses a core team of social workers and a tenancy sustainment and support service.

• MDHST Core Team: consist of five social workers and a Mental Health Practitioner who provide professional assessment and support to individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and have complex needs
• MDHST Floating Support: two social workers who provide tenancy sustainment and support services to individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and have complex needs

The team utilises an assertive outreach model to engage individuals and families. MDHST work in partnership with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and other voluntary sector organisations to support individuals and families to access mainstream health and social care services and to access and sustain appropriate temporary and permanent accommodation.

The MDHST works collaboratively with statutory and voluntary agencies and regularly convenes case strategy meetings.

The team advocates on behalf of service users and facilitate pathways and channels of communication between statutory and voluntary agencies to improve access to healthcare.

This multi-agency, social work-led service ensures a coordinated and holistic approach to supporting individuals and families with multiple needs.

Are you homeless now?

Contact the Northern Ireland Housing Executive on: 03448 920900

---

LOCATION: Belfast

SUPPORTING: Communities

I AM HOMELESS OR ABOUT TO LOSE MY HOME:

We can give you help or advice if you are already homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

CONTACT:
Extern
118-122 Royal Avenue,
Belfast
BT1 1DL

Tel: 028 9033 0433
Email: [email protected]