About Us
What We Do
Amicus Trust are here for individuals between the ages of 18 – 65 who are rough sleeping, considered homeless or at risk of homelessness. Individuals may or may not have a range of complex needs including mental health issues, ex-offending, alcohol dependency or substance misuse.
When an individual moves into an Amicus Trust property they are supported in progressing towards their own home, breaking the cycle of homelessness. The quality of support and safeguarding is of utmost importance, with clearly defined policies and procedures in place and full training provided to all members of staff.
How We Do It
We are committed to a client centred approach to supporting individuals as they move from homelessness to a sustainable independent life as part of the community.
The design, furnishing and location of our houses is the first starting point in creating a place that feels like home. We achieve this by keeping properties below 5 bedrooms (in most cases) to create the feeling of a home rather than an institution.
We recognise everyone’s story and background is different so we start by working with each individual to create a Personal Development Plan (PDP) tailored to their own unique needs.
We provide access to the following proven support services:
Supported accommodation in a house share for up to 2 years (although this may be extended by local authorities if the need arises)
Mental Health support
Regular support meetings focused on personal development and overcoming barriers to independent living.
Life-skills support to develop the tools and abilities required for independent living and meaningful engagement with the local community.
Participation in activities within the wider Amicus community to overcome social isolation.
Signposting to other specialist support (e.g. drug and alcohol services)
Practical help in managing benefit and housing register applications
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To support homeless people by providing accommodation and equipping them with the skills and knowledge for sustainable independent living.
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The provider of choice for residents, staff and stakeholders.
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The resident and their journey is the focus in everything we do.
Train and support staff to provide a high quality service.
A cost effective and efficient organisation within the supported housing sector.
Provide a consistent approach by following clear policies and procedures.
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Accountability
Honesty
Transparency
Inclusiveness
Collaboration
Compassion
Respectfulness
Chief Executive Officer, Dominic Ball
After 22 years in Local Government, I joined Amicus Trust in May 2023. One of the things that initially attracted me to the public sector was the opportunity to improve the lives and outcomes of the community within which I lived. As my career progressed that local connection got lost along the way as I moved between councils. I moved to Bedford in 2017 and I had been looking for the right opportunity to rebuild the connection between where I choose to live and the work that I do.
We should all have the right to somewhere to call home and I intend to make Amicus a first step toward independent living for as many people as we can support.
The Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees at Amicus Trust comprises a diverse group of dedicated individuals who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to our organization. United by a shared commitment to our mission, they provide strategic guidance and oversight, ensuring that we remain true to our values and goals.
The Management Team
The management team at Amicus Trust is composed of passionate and experienced professionals dedicated to advancing our mission of supporting individuals facing homelessness and vulnerability. Their collective expertise and unwavering commitment drive the success of our programs and initiatives. Amicus has managers in post for Finance, Operations, IT, HR, Health and Safety, and Mental Health.
Housing support staff
The housing support staff at Amicus Trust are the heart of our organisation, providing compassionate and personalised assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness. Their dedication and expertise are crucial in helping our clients find stability and independence. Each house is staffed with Housing Management Workers who ensure the service levels within the house and provide key work to the residents inline with their personal development plan. Staff and service users are also supported by a Senior Housing Management Worker .
Amicus Trust recognised the additional need for accessible mental health and wellbeing support amongst its residents, establishing a dedicated mental health service in 2014.
As well as mental health, we understand that practical skills and knowledge are also vital to people’s confidence and progression. These are offered by our Life Skills Team.
Mental health support is available to residents and non-residents. Please complete the referral form to enquire.
Life Skills
The Life Skills Team provide individuals with the tools they need to move on from supported living. This includes support with budgeting, basic Numeracy, Literacy and ICT skills, social skills, cooking skills, appointment keeping, liaising with other services, CV writing, interview techniques and finding suitable courses and employment for individuals. The aim of the Life Skills Team is to help reduce the likeliness of homelessness reoccurring. To support this, each resident has the option to complete a maintaining a tenancy course.
The Meaningful Activities Coordinator support the residents at Amicus Trust by helping them to access activities that are fun and bring meaning to their lives. These trips include (but are not limited to) a day at the beach, accessing equipment and skills to complete gardening work, a games and BBQ day, fishing, musical and creative activities. All of the trips and activities planned are based on clients suggestions. We also have access to two allotments that the residents can plant, grow and help build equipment on. This encourages the residents to grow their own food and also supports them with building on their social skills.
Outreach Staff
The outreach staff at Amicus Trust are dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to connect with individuals experiencing homelessness and vulnerability, providing critical support and resources. Their proactive and compassionate approach is essential in building trust and fostering positive change within the community.
Mental Health
Meaningful Activities
