Inspection and mayhem

Had our Supporting People validation visit yesterday. Bit more worried about it than usual, as we've had so many changes recently, and now I have to delegate so much, so I don't feel as sure as I did about the quality of the work done. Not that I'm so wonderful, but at least I know what I do and how I do it.

The staff on duty were a fairly new young member of staff, still in his probationary period, and a relief person. So I guess if they pass muster, we must be doing something right. A peer reviewer – someone who was homeless herself – came to talk to the residents, and find out what they really think of us. It's a process I think was long overdue, and I completely support. Even if it's more likely to show up our flaws. Because it is, really. After all, we don't exist so I can have a job and a salary, welcome though they are, or so that our organisation can have more services...we exist solely for the people whose heads are on the pillows. If we aren't doing it for them, we shouldn't be doing it at all. And if it isn't doing it for them, we need to get off our butts and change so that it is.

We find out in a week or two what the upshot was.

At least the two officers saw what we're dealing with, several residents too inebriated to make much sense. Two of them fell our earlier in the day, one punched the other twice. Two ex-residents also arrived, to collect a couple of bags, and they were trying to help sort the situation out. Our senior took the main culprit off into an interview room, defused things. We then got the other one to go upstairs to his room, with his girlfriend. Both still chuntering, in the way you do when you've had too much sherbet, as they say.

We're very aware of the issue of alcohol, as I said last time. We've now got eight chronic dependent drinkers. Still an eight month wait for treatment. Not higher philosophy to work out that it's a recipe for mayhem. Especially as they can't drink on our premises. Or in the only day centre. Or in the alcohol-free zone which covers all the areas in between us and the day centre where people go for their meals. As they ask me, So where can we go then?

We have put several measures in place. A poster - ! - requested by a partner agency, litter picks at visible times of day. We've requested increased police presence at crucial times, commuter home and work times. And constant vigilance, going out to stop people shouting and bawling and upsetting the neighbours.

Got an advisory group meeting, which includes partner agencies, so now doubt this will be big on the agenda.

I'm on leave now for two weeks. Interesting to see when I get back what's changed. Maybe even 24-hour opening and managed drinking on the premises....