Rebecca Harrington-Leigh shares her admiration and thanks for the dedication of the newest P3 East Midland team:

“Derbyshire & Staffordshire Moorlands Rough Sleeper Service, better known as ‘DOT’ are the newest team in my East Midlands patch, managed by Kerry Dungavel. The team are made up of Cara Haywood, Harriet Dover, Diane Maxted, Lisa Gayes, Hannah Skidmore, Carl Barker, Bob Bonner, Nikita McCarthy, Mick Freyne and Melissa Harrison. I also need to mention Helen Greenan who is not officially working on DOT, but has been very involved in the setup and support of the service, going on outreach and sharing her invaluable knowledge and experience with new staff—so a big thank you to Helen!

“Some of the staff started just as the Covid-19 crisis hit—it couldn’t have been a more challenging time—inducting new staff under the social distancing restriction and being unable to come together as a team. I’ve got to hand it to them though, they have all hit the ground running and have amazed me with their commitment and tenacity as they work with some of the most vulnerable people at this time.

“They head out on early morning outreach shifts, tracking down people, working in difficult circumstances whilst trying to keep themselves safe. The service is busier than ever, they have moved people off the streets into P3 properties and are supporting others who have been placed in hotels and B&Bs across Derbyshire and bordering counties under the new Covid-19 measures implemented by the government. They also continue to work with people who are still on the streets.

“It’s fair to say that this team are P3 through and through, and it’s difficult to believe they have only been up and running for a few months—some of them barely even weeks! I want to say a huge thank you to Kerry and her fabulous crew, they are sustaining, adapting and continuing to deliver an invaluable service and have already earned themselves a glowing reputation across Derbyshire.

“Well done DOT, you rock!”

Diane Maxted says:

“Lisa Gayes and I cover High Peak, Staffs Moorlands (our second home) and The Derbyshire Dale's. Here’s a few pics of each area for everyone. Enjoy!”

It’s windy today. We're not too good at selfies, lol!

Ashbourne Market Place where the cross says it all: ‘HOPE/LOVE’

Our ‘Dotty’ stopping traffic, as always. Hard to miss her!

Empty Ashbourne, we need some tea and a pee …
Everywhere was closed, eek!

Robert Bonner adds:

“Hi all, this is myself, (Bob) and Harriet Dover. We are outside the Clarence Hotel in Nottingham and we cover Amber Valley, Erewash and South Derbyshire.”

Hannah Skidmore says:

“Being in the outreach team, no day or even hour is the same. It can take you on gritty, challenging and thought-provoking journeys with the people we work alongside.

“I feel lucky to be a part of this and know that P3 gives people sleeping rough that glimmer of hope they needed, a light at the end of the tunnel and a chance to change their journey for the better.

“Also, can we mention that Kerry has been amazing! It’s such an unusual time and must be difficult for her to lead a new service—never mind in these current conditions—but she has always been at the end of the phone and looking after her team. She has been super supportive!”

Helen Greenan part of the original DOT team (pictured below) adds:

“People don’t understand Outreach, until they have actually done it. It’s a hard job!

“It’s very challenging and testing, but deeply rewarding (getting up in the early hours, in the winter, can be a test in itself!)

“You support people at their absolute lowest and always hope to be the team to help them back into ‘normality’ and out of danger. No one should be sleeping out on the streets.

“It’s such a worthwhile job. When someone opens up to you and you can start to help them rebuild their life. It’s a good feeling.”

Rebecca’s closing words to everyone:

“You are a really are a brilliant team, I’m so impressed!”