Supporting People Out of Homelessness Through Learning – with Paula Lonergan

Head of Learning Paula sat down with Lizzie Tees, one of our Philanthropy Managers, to talk about trauma-informed learning, the power of partnerships, and how members’ voices shape everything we do at Crisis.  

Can you introduce yourself?  

I’m Paula, Head of Learning at Crisis Skylight London, a role I’ve held for just over three years.  

What do you and your team do?  

I lead an agile team of tutors, coaches and volunteers who support members through tailored learning plans. Every member is referred to us by their lead worker, and we build support around their goals, strengths and needs.  

Our Strengths and Assets Coaches- unique to Crisis- help members focus on what they already have in place, then they create a plan and build on their strengths. Whether that’s sustaining a tenancy, building confidence or moving towards employment, we aim to empower them to reach their goals.  

Homelessness is complex, and we support members facing a range of challenges, from mental health support needs and language barriers to digital exclusion. Digital inclusion is a key focus for us. With so much of daily life now online, helping members access essential services, apply for jobs and navigate the digital world is vital.  

Housing is the immediate priority, but we know there are many other needs too. We apply a trauma-informed approach to learning, and our tutors are highly skilled at noticing when something may be wrong- whether a member is quieter than usual or arrives late- and checking in on what’s happening for them.  

We also offer practical classes in CV writing, supported by a fantastic volunteer who helps members with everything from starting their CV from scratch or editing an existing CV. Alongside this, our creative arts and music sessions support wellbeing, build confidence and encourage self-expression- often for the first time in a long while.  

All of our support is personalised. It might happen in a group setting or one-to-one- whether that’s learning to use a smartphone, upload a CV or apply for housing- whatever that person needs.  

How does your team work with partners?  

Partnerships are central to our work, and cultural inclusion really matters. When people experience homelessness, they can be marginalised socially, financially and culturally. Access to art and music can be incredibly powerful, helping people reconnect with themselves and the world around them.  

Through our partnership with Whitechapel Gallery, members can access exhibitions and cultural experiences that might otherwise feel out of reach.  

We’ve also partnered with the London Philharmonic Orchestra for nearly ten years. Each year, musicians spend four days at Crisis creating and performing music with members. It’s inclusive and, again, strengths based. If someone plays guitar, reads music, writes songs or poetry, they’re encouraged to bring those skills to the project.  

I’m sometimes asked how that helps somebody out of homelessness- and it’s a fair question. Some of our members are dealing with anxiety, depression or loneliness due to the isolation that homelessness brings. Being part of a music ensemble creates connection, camaraderie and a sense of belonging that can really help someone on their journey out of homelessness.  

How do members shape learning?  

Member voice is at the heart of everything we do. Through feedback forms and our member forum, they tell us what’s working, what could improve, and what they want from our learning offer. It’s vital that our work is shaped by the people we support.  

How can supporters get involved?  

There are lots of ways supporters can get involved- through financial support, volunteering their time and expertise, joining classes or choir sessions, or accompanying members on trips. It’s a chance to be part of the day-to-day life of Crisis learning and see its impact firsthand.