The London Borough of Hackney’s Benefits and Homeless Prevention Team has been shortlisted in the 2025 London Homelessness Awards.
Hackney Council pioneering efforts to protect some of the most vulnerable members of the community from homelessness have been shortlisted for this year’s London Homelessness Awards.
This recognition highlights the extraordinary work of the Benefits and Homeless Prevention Service’s Complex Needs team, a multi-disciplinary partnership that supports some of the most vulnerable people in our community; those experiencing homelessness, trauma, and multiple complex needs.
A Team Effort
The team brings together Council staff alongside colleagues from commissioned services including Thames Reach, the Single Homelessness Project, and Riverside. By working in partnership with the outreach workers, Homerton Hospital staff, the temporary accommodation team, and services supporting people leaving prison, the team ensures that no one slips through the cracks.
With two specialist social workers – one in mental health and one in social care – the team provides tailored support to residents who need it most.
Why Multi-Disciplinary Work Matters
Homelessness is rarely just about housing. Health, wellbeing, trauma, and social support all play a role. That’s why this project takes a joined-up approach:
- Hospital discharge support – The Homerton Hospital Pathway Team steps in at the point of discharge. The Hospital Discharge Officer creates plans to prevent people from leaving hospital into homelessness. By treating housing as a health issue, the team reduces both ill-health and housing insecurity.
- Trauma-informed assessments – Our Rough Sleepers Homeless Prevention Officer ensures that people aren’t re-traumatised when accessing services, helping them stay engaged and supported.
- Intensive support in the community – Outreach Navigators walk alongside people as they settle into new homes, ensuring placements are sustained.
- Specialist social work – With 60% of applicants requiring multiple services, the team’s social workers help people access the right mix of health and social care.
- Dedicated complex needs navigator – Focused on high-risk individuals, this role makes sure that those with the most pressing challenges receive consistent, tailored help.
Building Better Futures
This comprehensive, multi-faceted approach, grounded in prevention, trauma-informed care, and long-term support, demonstrates the power of collaboration.
By working across sectors and with compassion at its core, the team is not only preventing homelessness but also improving health, wellbeing, and future opportunities for residents across Hackney.
Cllr Sade Etti, Cabinet Member for Homelessness Prevention, Rough Sleeping and Temporary Accommodation, said:
“In Hackney, we are committed to ensuring that nobody is left facing homelessness alone.
“But we can’t deliver on that commitment by treating everyone facing homelessness the same. We know that people with complex needs and a history of trauma are more impacted by Hackney’s housing crisis than others, and can need tailored support to maintain a roof over their heads.
“Our Complex Needs team is leading the way in providing focused, joined-up support to keep vulnerable people off the streets, and the recognition from the London Homelessness Awards is a recognition of the vital work that they do.”
Simon Dow, chair of the judging panel, said:
““This is a really ambitious project showcasing how an imaginative partnership between a London Council, an NHS Hospital, and specialist local voluntary bodies can deliver terrific results for people who so often can slip through the net.”
For more information about the London Homelessness Awards 2025 please go to www.lhawards.org.uk