We know the most important people to judge the NAPpad are the service users and their support teams
I think it is a really good resource for some of my customers who may be symptomatic with mental health issues such as paranoia, delusions, post traumatic stress disorder, severe anxiety/depression, trauma, or been a victim of previous violence/abuse.
If they become homeless, the options open to us for emergency rehousing are not always appropriate for some of my customers. This includes shared hostels as the person can be vulnerable within those types of environments and may not be able to assert themselves where necessary or feel safe and secure.
Some customers will choose to continue to sleep outside to avoid these environments. Some customers who want to remain drug/alcohol free avoid these environments as they worry they may be preyed upon or risk relapse into substance misuse.
This is an alternative option for those who need a more isolated secure and safe environment.
Karen M.
Mental Health Housing Officer RMN (Registered Mental Health Nurse)
The NAPpad is an innovative solution to provide dignity and independence in a safe environment for some of our most vulnerable residents.
From monitoring someone’s vital signs to providing a safe, secure and comfortable micro-flat for the night, someone without a home or means, can be guaranteed a safe, warm and dry night.
The innovation, design, manufacture and execution of this prototype unit, through a partnership of the Salvation Army and Protectal Ltd, just shows what can be achieved. In having the first NAPpad in the country in York, the spotlight will not only be on their success, but on how they move people from the streets to somewhere safe and warm.
Rachael Maskell
MP for York Central (Shadow housing Minister)
We are always looking for innovative solutions to help support our most vulnerable residents. This Salvation Army pilot project, which will add extra options to the services currently offered to rough sleepers and those in need of emergency accommodation.
“Our Winter Plan is designed to ensure that no one needs to sleep out. The NAPpads will supplement them this winter with a further innovative option, particularly for people who are concerned about going into a hostel. We are committed to working with our partners to end rough sleeping.
Cllr Denise Craghill
Executive Member for Housing and Safer Communities at City of York Council
Protectal are the only people I have known, in decades of working with homeless people who asked us, for our opinion. Most consultants usually tell us how to do our job and how they will make it cheaper.
Gary R.
Charity Housing Services Support Officer RMN (Registered Mental Health Nurse)
I want to work, so I got a job and because it’s at night, I can’t sleep in a hostel because they’re not open. I have nowhere to store my belongings. My auntie is visiting today, so I’ll be able to sleep in a chair in her hotel this afternoon. When she’s gone I’m back to trying to find a safe place, so this would be great for someone like me.
Sarah
Employed and a Rough Sleeper (Aged 16).
I’m just trying to get through another day and the idea of solitude in a safe and dry place, even if it’s just to be able to read a book is something that would make my life just a bit easier.
Simon
Rough Sleeper
I didn’t plan to be here in this situation, it couldn’t happen to me but here I am. If there is a place to sleep without one eye open and a chance to get a scrub then that is a start.
David
Rough Sleeper
I don’t like hostels or hotels, they are dumps and have too many rules. You don’t know who you are sharing with. At least here, (A carpark in Blackburn), I have my mates and we help each other. If I can bring my stuff in a shut the door without a load of rules and no one can come in, then yes, I would use the NAPpad.
Jack
Rough Sleeper (aged 18)
I do some cleaning to try and earn money to get a flat. When I’ve finished there are no hostels. I’ve been attacked in one of the hostels, so I don’t go there anyway. If I sit on a bench without a sandwich or for too long, they have people to move you on. It can’t be right. If this was available then I would use it.”
Ben
A working rough sleeper (aged 17)
If I can get some sleep knowing no one is judging me and no one can take my stuff then I would use it, (the NAPpad)
Mark
Rough Sleeper
I’m homeless at the moment, I tell myself I won’t be for long. I don’t need pity, just a bit of help. I can see this as being a bit of help. If you gave it a postcode, I’d have an address and it would really help.
Lauchlan
Rough Sleeper and occasional Hostel user
I have to stay at York location and take a train to Leeds to get my benefits, then I see my kid. By the time I get my train, it’s gone, so I’ve got nowhere to go and I can’t sleep here because the police and the wardens move me on. Something like this would be useful and I would use it.’
Steven
Rough Sleeper
We have nowhere to go, nowhere to sleep. I would use this to keep dry. Do you know, they give us a paper card for benefits, how is that supposed to last out there? Then they delay your payments if you don’t have it.
Shona
Rough Sleeper
