When Hugh arrived at Wirral Ways one Tuesday morning, it was clear that urgent support was needed. Brought in by the police after being asked to leave his mother’s home, Hugh – who uses a wheelchair and has complex physical and mental health needs – found himself in a highly vulnerable situation with nowhere to go.
The team at Wirral Ways quickly mobilised, reaching out to Housing Options to explore emergency accommodation. But with accessible housing in short supply and demand at an all-time high, suitable options were limited. Hugh’s needs were too complex for most short-term settings.
As the day progressed, professionals from adult social services and both physical and mental health teams joined the effort, working alongside the RSI (Rough Sleepers Initiative) team to try and find somewhere safe. Unfortunately, due to Hugh’s risks, neither hotel placements nor hostel triage rooms were appropriate. The urgency of the situation was growing.
By the end of the day, after tireless multi-agency coordination, adult social services secured an emergency assessment bed for Hugh at Arrowe Park Hospital – giving him a safe and stabilising environment. A few weeks later, he was transferred to a nursing home equipped to meet both his physical and mental health needs.
Hugh’s case highlights the significant challenges faced by people with complex needs in crisis. It also shows the power of persistence and partnership between services. Thanks to a determined, joined-up response, Hugh is now in the right place to receive the care, support, and dignity he deserves.