Patricia's typical Monday looks like:

9:00

I start the week by catching up with my line manager, one of our Co-Heads of Casework, and going through my current guests’ cases.

9:30 to 12:00

For the rest of the morning, I usually check in with one to three guests who I’m providing ongoing support to. I might help a guest open a bank account, or accompany them to a Universal Credit appointment, or to a meeting with a housing or immigration specialist legal adviser.

Guests sometimes require some support when going to Missionaries of Charity accommodation for assessment, which can be intimidating.

Being there to support them through these appointments in-person means they have someone advocating on their behalf and lending a helping hand if they need one.

I also buy and top up guests’ Oyster cards or chase up public services or other organisations.

12:00 to 15:00

At this time of day, it’s our drop-in at one of our partner day centres.

Our drop-ins are a chance for anyone to come to us for advice or support in a non-judgemental and respectful environment.

My drop-ins take place in Ace of Clubs in Clapham, but our caseworkers are each based in different locations to cover a wider area.

15:00 to 17:00

Today is a Monday, so around this time I’d continue to work with the eight to ten guests in my drop-in list until I finish, or I’d go to the post office to collect guests’ passport photos and go through emails.

Today has been busy so I squeeze in a quick lunch too.

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Get support from our caseworkers

If you or someone you know is affected by homelessness, you can visit a partner day centre and have a conversation with a trained caseworker. They will assess your situation with you and provide advocacy, advice and practical assistance to help find solutions to leave homelessness behind for good.  

See a caseworker

Find out more about our casework service by watching our film Pathways out of Homelessness