• Volunteer had read about Barnardo’s Play and Stay project and phoned for information for a guest with young child and complex issues including substance use in addition to homelessness.
• Guest with extensive tooth decay and abscesses asked about getting a dental appointment (she isn’t registered with a dentist). Volunteer phoned hospital to find out about emergency dental treatment and was signposted to the Community Dental Service. Volunteer tried the phone number all morning but no reply. To be followed up at next session.
• Homeless guest offered temporary accommodation in Warminster by the Council but is appealing against it because his support network is in Chippenham – drugs & alcohol agencies. Solicitor is involved. Volunteer helped him get in touch with his drugs worker for support in his appeal against the Council.
• 1 guest has just been offered a job. Hopes to acquire rented accommodation so that her children can visit her.
• Guest helped by volunteer to make contact with the hostel in Bristol – he lost his tenancy because of alcohol related problems and is now seeking rehab with support of his Probation Officer who gave him phone numbers to ring. Volunteer helped him to access hostel and also spoke to manager of hostel who will send referral pack to Doorway. Ongoing case.
• Guest asked for help in getting an emergency doctor’s appointment since he had run out of medication. He is sleeping rough and is not registered with a GP. He stated he had paranoid schizophrenia and his observed behaviour at the drop-in session was volatile and unpredictable. Volunteer negotiated with Hathaway Surgery to offer him an emergency appointment – surgery very busy this morning, but they shifted appointments around to accommodate this guest. David, Support Worker, drove guest to appointment to ensure that he arrived at surgery. David stayed with guest throughout consultation and took him to the pharmacy to collect prescribed drugs. David was absent for nearly 2 hours – overrunning his paid time with Doorway. Margaret took over the supervision of the clearing up and debriefed staff at end of the session. David will accompany same guest to his next appointment on Thursday during the drop-in session. Margaret has changed her appointments on Thursday to ensure that she can set up and open the centre with the volunteers - normally David’s responsibilities.

• 1 guest with tenancy living with partner. Tenant has drug and alcohol issues and has just lost his job. At de-brief staff and volunteers discussed whether this is a joint tenancy – if not will advise guest to talk to landlord. Ongoing.
• During de-brief a guest arrived – feels former partner has abandoned him, leaving baby with him whilst still drawing child benefit. He is not allowed to attend the drop-in with the child but asked for a food parcel since he is finding it hard to make ends meet. Gave him food and advised him about the Barnado’s centre.
• Staff and volunteers agreed after discussion that more information was needed about Community/Emergency dental services. Volunteer offered to find out details at hospital. She later phoned to give contact details for services and details regarding who can qualify.