A TEAM helping people facing homelessness in the Borders has received a glowing report following an inspection.

The Care Inspectorate visited Galashiels late last month to assess the Scottish Borders Council-provided Housing Support Service.

It offers assistance to individuals in critical need who are at risk of losing their home, as well as helping people to secure a roof over their heads.

Sixty-one people were using the service at the time of the inspection.

And the inspectors said it was clear that the level of support had a positive impact on people’s lives.

A report published on the Care Inspectorate website states: “People told us that they found the support staff to be very kind and polite. Through the positive working relationships established, people told us they felt treated with dignity, respect, and compassion, demonstrating the principles of the Health and Social Care Standards.

“Evidence seen and discussions with people told us that the service was working in a very person-centred approach, supporting people with a variety of housing related support needs. These included general housing advice, support with accessing welfare benefits, applications for grants and signposting to more specialist support services.

“This meant that people could be confident that staff recognised and responded to their support needs in an individualised way.”

It adds: “The manager was responsive to feedback from people. A satisfaction survey had been issued earlier in the year and this gave people the opportunity to give their views and suggestions on ways the service could be further developed.

“The findings were very positive and any areas for potential improvement and development were actioned upon.

“Leaders were supportive, responsive, and visible, which enabled staff to voice their concerns, share ideas and explore ways to promote resilience.

“Staff knew that their contribution was valued and recognised by the management of the service. This helped keep people motivated, remain adaptable and to focus on how best to provide care and support.”

The service received ‘very good’ ratings for the support of people’s wellbeing and leadership.

Inspectors found that minor improvements were needed to ensure risk assessments were completed consistently by staff and informed levels of risk identified.