Case Study: Alexi’s Journey Through Transform Community Developments Housing First Programme

Alexi (name changed) experienced a mental health crisis which led him to quit his job and subsequently live rough for 21 years, residing in a tent on the outskirts of Dundee. During this prolonged period of homelessness, Alexi faced significant challenges including multiple hospital admissions due to a stomach infection caused by subsisting on discarded food, the loss of all personal identification documents, and severe social isolation that further impacted his mental health.

Support began when a member of the public helped Alexi access emergency accommodation. From there, he was referred to the Housing First programme. Over a 6-week assessment period—and continuing beyond—Alexi’s key worker established a trusting and consistent relationship, meeting with him almost daily. This trust was crucial to accurately identifying and addressing his broad support needs.

Support Needs Identified and Addressed:

• Benefits Access: Alexi had not claimed any benefits for 21 years due to lack of documentation and support.

• Healthcare Access: He had not seen a medical professional for over two decades.

• Mental Health Support: Needed engagement with mental health services.

• Safe & Secure Housing: Required a stable tenancy to rebuild his life.

• Social Isolation: Needed support to reconnect with community and family.

• Life Skills: Needed assistance with cooking, budgeting, and general household management.

Outcomes Achieved:

• Secured a tenancy through a Registered Social Landlord (RSL) in a sheltered complex, providing Alexi with a safe, secure, and adequate home environment.

• Registered with a General Practitioner, leading to the diagnosis and treatment of COPD, which had previously gone undetected.

• Connected with the Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) to support his mental wellbeing.

• Rebuilt relationships within his local community and re-established contact with family members after decades of separation.

• Received assistance to claim his full Universal Credit entitlement despite initial documentation barriers.

• Developed essential life skills such as safe food handling, cooking, housekeeping, and budgeting.

Alexi has now successfully transitioned to ongoing support from a different agency that maintains weekly check-ins, ensuring continued stability and wellbeing.