Local solutions: National impact

Homeless Link Annual Conference, 8-10 July 2008, University of Warwick

The government’s agenda for the delivery of services to homeless people is becoming increasingly local. Many homeless agencies are already aware of the gains to be made from linking up with their local community, not only in terms of the additional services they can provide, but also as a means for homeless people to lead the way in giving something back and moving towards independence.

But local communities can also oppose new developments, fostering a sense that homeless people do not belong. The challenge is to overcome these obstacles and to find ways to ensure both service users and providers are involved in local decision-making. Ultimately this will help to develop stronger communities, improve services and form stronger working partnerships.

This flagship event in the Homeless Link conference calendar is essential for anyone interested in ending homelessness through social cohesion and community engagement. The conference will focus on the community agenda and on ensuring that everyone in society, even those who are the most vulnerable and with the most complex needs, has an opportunity to play a significant role in the improvement of local communities.

Delegates will hear about current government thinking on empowering citizens, building strong communities and the importance of this for homeless people and the homelessness sector. Good practice workshops will include examples of how to effectively link up and access local services and how homeless people can play an active part in the development of their communities. There will also be time for networking with peers.

Online booking

Please complete and return the booking form

We have been experiencing some technical difficulties recently with the booking form, should you have a problem please contact Kate Alaway in the events department and she will be able to process your booking. Her contact details are: Email: kate.alaway@homelesslink.org.uk Tel: 020 7960 3032 Fax: 020 7960 3011 Post:

Kate Alaway, Conference & Events Manager, Homeless Link, First Floor, 10-13 Rushworth Street, London, SE1 0RB

Conference Programme

The conference will officially open on Wednesday 9 July. There is, however, the opportunity to join us the night before for an informal pre-conference dinner, quiz and accommodation.

Programme details

Speakers

• Why communities matter for ending homelessness: Jenny Edwards, Homeless Link
• A central government perspective on the homelessness sector and their local community: Iain Wright MP, Housing Minister
• Conservatives' vision for the future of homelessness services & the communities they work in: Grant Shapps MP, Shadow Housing Minister
• Strengthening the fabric of your community: JoAnne Page, The Fortune Society, NewYork

Workshops

Please refer to the Programme details for details of the workshops being held at the conference.

Conference Fees

Member (Band Community & A)

• 9th & 10th, inc overnight on 9th £235
• 9th only £120
• 10th only £120
• 9th & 10th, no overnight stay £165

Member (Band B-D)

• 9th & 10th, inc overnight on 9th £285
• 9th only £155
• 10th only £155
• 9th & 10th, no overnight stay £220

Non-member

• 9th & 10th, inc overnight on 9th £395
• 9th only £275
• 10th only £275
• 9th & 10th, no overnight stay £330

The cost to stay for the night before the conference (8th July), including dinner and a quiz is £85 per person.

To check your banding or whether your organisation is a member, please contact 020 7960 3040 or email membership@homelesslink.org.uk

Featuring:

• debate and interaction with senior government officials
• streamed programme of workshops tailored to meet your requirements
• social and cultural programme to complement the main programme.

Promoting your organisation

We can tailor sponsorship and exhibition packages to suit your requirements and budget. All our packages contain a number of integrated opportunities, which will maximise your presence and ensure that your links with your target market are firmly established. From main conference sponsorship to inserts, we want to help you develop your connections.

Please contact the events department to discuss the various options, on 020 7960 3032 or email events@homelesslink.org.uk.

Venue

University of Warwick Coventry CV4 7AL

Tel: 024 7652 3222

Directions

University of Warwick is located approximately 3 miles outside of Coventry city centre and is easily accessible by both road and rail. The M1, M6, M40 and M42 are all nearby as is Coventry train station, which has regular links to London, Birmingham and the NorthWest. Birmingham International Airport is also only a 30 minute drive away.