Welcoming the NI Justice Committee to Inverary House

Welcoming the NI Justice Committee to Inverary House

Today, we had the privilege of welcoming members of the Northern Ireland Justice Committee to Inverary House. This visit provided a crucial opportunity to discuss the challenges faced by individuals transitioning from the justice system into the community and the vital role services like ours play in supporting these individuals.

At the Northern Ireland Appropriate Adult Service (NIAAS), we are dedicated to supporting vulnerable individuals who come into contact with the criminal justice system. Our services include providing appropriate adults to assist during police interviews, offering guidance and support to ensure fair treatment. Inverary House, one of our key services, provides temporary accommodation for individuals experiencing homelessness with the aim of transitioning back into the community. Our mission is to offer a safe, supportive environment where individuals can rebuild their lives and work towards a stable future.

Key Discussions and Insights

We were joined by key members of our team—Area Housing Manager Jackie McCaughey, Northern Ireland Appropriate Adult Service Manager Stanley Booth, and Housing Service Manager Charlotte Brown—who shared their insights and experiences. Here are some of the key highlights from today’s discussions:

1. Intensive Support for Individuals Leaving Custody

A key topic we addressed was the need for more intensive support for individuals leaving custody and transitioning back into the community. Currently, support often begins too late, typically as individuals approach their release date. This gap in care creates major barriers to successful reintegration.

We emphasized that support should start at the beginning of a sentence—not just at the point of release. Early intervention is crucial in helping individuals reintegrate into society and avoid reoffending or returning to homelessness. By providing support at the right time, we can help individuals build better futures, contributing positively to the community.

2. Joined-Up Thinking and Wraparound Support

Another important point was the need for more joined-up thinking between services. At Inverary House, we see the direct impact of collaboration between housing, health, and social services. However, we emphasized that this approach must be expanded and sustained.

Support shouldn’t stop once individuals move from temporary housing into their own tenancies. They need continued, holistic support, covering everything from mental health care to addiction services to employment opportunities. We strongly believe that only through wraparound support can we break the cycle of homelessness and poverty that so many individuals face.

3. The Impact of Funding Cuts: The Loss of Linked-In

During the visit, we also reflected on some of the successful services we’ve run in the past, including Linked-In—part of our Northern Ireland Appropriate Adult Service (NIAAS). The Linked-In program provided vital support for individuals in custody suites across Northern Ireland. The support continued 1-1 in the community for six months. 

Sadly, due to funding cuts, we were forced to close this service, despite its success and the positive outcomes it delivered for individuals in need. This loss is a stark reminder of the pressures placed on the charity sector and the urgent need for stable funding to ensure that vital services continue to be available for those who rely on them most.

The closure of Linked-In highlighted the fragility of services that rely on short-term funding and the devastating impact these cuts can have on the individuals who benefit from them. It also reinforced the need for a more sustainable approach to funding services that support rehabilitation and community reintegration.

4. Rising Housing Costs and Their Impact

We also discussed the rising costs of housing, particularly within the private rental sector, as well as the housing association sector, and the profound impact this is having on individuals who are already vulnerable. As housing association and private rents continue to rise, many people are finding it harder to maintain their own tenancies and are at risk of homelessness.

5. Financial Strain on the Charity Sector

We also took the opportunity to highlight the increasing financial strain on the charity and voluntary sector. Like many organisations, we’re seeing growing demand for services at a time when funding is being cut. With rising operational costs and the added burden of increased National Insurance Contributions (NIC), charities are being asked to do more with less.

We spoke about how many essential services are being run at a deficit—services that directly impact the lives of vulnerable people. Without adequate and sustainable funding, we risk losing the ability to support those who need it most. Now more than ever, it’s essential that the sector receives the financial backing needed to continue delivering critical services.

6. Preventive and Early Intervention Services

At MindWise, we strongly believe in the power of prevention. It’s far more effective to invest in services that intervene early, before issues like homelessness, mental health crises, or criminal behaviour become entrenched. Preventive services help address root causes before they escalate into more serious problems, saving both individuals and society from long-term negative consequences.

Today, we discussed the importance of early intervention in areas like mental health, addiction support, and housing. By addressing these challenges early, we can help individuals stay off the streets, avoid reoffending, and begin to rebuild their lives with the support they need.

7. The Success of Inverary House and the Road Ahead

We also reflected on the success we’ve seen since taking over Inverary House from Choice Housing. Under our stewardship, the service has not only provided safe temporary accommodation but has also helped many individuals transition into permanent housing, with the support they need to maintain their tenancy. 

The setting of Inverary House itself has been integral to this success—offering a supportive, humanising environment that allows individuals to regain confidence and move forward in their lives. However, we are acutely aware of the challenges we face ahead, particularly the financial pressures on our services.

The demand for temporary accommodation is growing, and with it, the need for sustained investment to keep services running effectively. Without a long-term funding solution, it will become increasingly difficult to maintain and expand these vital services.

8. The Need for Sustainable Investment in Services

Ultimately, the discussion highlighted the urgent need for long-term, sustainable investment in services like Inverary House. As we continue to support individuals who are working hard to rebuild their lives, we need the government, funders, and the wider community to commit to the funding and policies necessary to ensure these services continue.

We cannot do this important work in isolation. The success of services like ours depends on collaboration and long-term investment. Without this support, vulnerable individuals will continue to face an uphill struggle, with few chances to break free from homelessness and poverty.

Thank You for Your Support

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the NI Justice Committee for taking the time to meet with us and listen to our concerns. Their engagement is crucial in bringing attention to the issues faced by the people we support, and we are hopeful that today’s conversation will lead to meaningful changes in policy and funding.

As we continue to work to improve the lives of vulnerable individuals in Northern Ireland, we remain committed to advocating for the changes needed to ensure everyone has the chance to rebuild their lives and contribute to their communities. With your support, we can continue this important work and make a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Support Our Work

Your support is vital in helping us continue our mission. Please consider making a donation to support our services. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a significant difference in the lives of those we serve. Together, we can create a brighter future for individuals transitioning from the justice system into the community.