Synergy Universal

Service description

Our Synergy Service is an integrated support service with emphasis on prevention, early intervention and integration for people who are at risk of losing their independence. The service provides tailored support to people aged 16+ over a maximum of two years, to improve their opportunity to live successfully in the community. The ethos of the service is to enable, empower and encourage individuals to develop the skills and tools to manage their accommodation, tenancies and health & wellbeing.

Our work takes place at locations that meet individual needs; within our Victoria House resource centre in Luton, at people's homes, in other agencies’ premises or in public meeting places.

We offer a broad range of support services including:

• support to source and secure accommodation – both privately and through housing associations or the council
• support to sustain tenancies – including landlord liaison if there is risk of eviction, addressing poor quality accommodation, anti-social behaviour or neighbour disputes
• support to improve health and wellbeing
• support to address drug and alcohol needs
• advice and guidance on benefits, budgeting, utilities and debt
• access to specialised support services for domestic violence, mental health, learning disabilities and physical health

We also offer places to Service Users on our popular workshops that cover

• CV writing
• IT and computer skills
• numeracy & literacy

Referrals

We accept:

• Self referrals
• Referrals from family members
• Referrals from health and social care professionals already working with the person being referred

Third Party Hate Crime Reporting Centre

Penrose Synergy service in Luton is now confirmed as a Third Party Hate Crime Reporting Centre, working in conjunction with Bedfordshire Police. Penrose staff completed their awareness training and a team of 6 staff are now trained in this specialist reporting, via the ‘True Vision‘ website.

Emmeline Irvine, Business and Enterprise Manager, said: “Penrose services in Luton support around 400 people at any one time, each presenting with varying support needs, relating to their personal circumstances and mental and physical wellbeing. The demographics of our service users mirrors the diverse demographics of Luton, making Penrose Synergy a prime location for a Third Party Hate Crime Reporting Centre. Our Synergy service is well know to the community and stakeholders, and the central location of the hub is accessible to anyone in Luton who needs support to report a hate crime.”

James Hart, the Hate Crime Tactical Lead at Bedfordshire Police, said: “Hate crime should not be tolerated. If you are a victim, we encourage you to report it.”

Anyone wishing to report a hate crime can do so by:

• visiting the Penrose Synergy office at Victoria House, Victoria St, Luton LU1 2UA (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm)
• calling the Penrose Synergy office on 01582 343 230 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm).
• reporting online via the True Vision website (please note: in cases where the offender is still present or may return, or anyone is seriously hurt or in danger, you should call 999).

To find out more information about this nationwide initiative, please visit the True Vision website.