Supporting Couples

Who is it for?

This is for staff working with people who live in hostels and other supported accommodation.

Why is it relevant

Homelessness services have historically been reluctant to offer housing and support to couples. As a result, people may be faced with a choice between their housing and their partner, and this often extends the time they are homeless on the streets.

To support women in relationships effectively it also necessary to recognise the link between homelessness and domestic abuse, and so respond safely and effectively to perpetrators of domestic abuse.

Key takeaways

This page features guidance (published November 2022) on Universal Credit and Housing Benefit claims for couples, to help services plan and shape their support

St Mungo's Homeless Couples and Relationships Toolkit (published March 2020) provides practical guidance for teams in services to develop their support.

The guidance on responding to perpetrators in supported accommodation and housing first settings sets out best practice when housing and supporting perpetrators of domestic abuse.

It was delivered by the DAHA-led Perpetrators and Supported Housing Task and Finishing Group partners: Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA), DRIVE Partnership, Homeless Link, RISE Mutual, Single Homelessness Project, Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse and St Mungo’s.

This webinar will provide an overview of St Mungo's Homeless Couples and Relationships Toolkit, providing resources, good practice and recommendations for outreach and accommodation services, as well as local authorities and statutory services, on how to house and support homeless couples.