SOLAR
Strengthening Opportunities for Learning and Actualisation for Rough Sleepers
2024
MA Service Design
London College of Communication (LCC)
University of the Arts London (UAL)
Project partner
#Service Design
#Systemic Design
#Design Justice
Overview
SOLAR is a six-month service design project I led independently, in collaboration with Ealing Council. The service connects homeless support groups with local organisations in Southall to create volunteering and upskilling opportunities for rough sleepers with no recourse to public funds (NRPF).
By opening access to safe, purposeful daytime activities, the service enables participants to build new skills, strengthen community ties, and take steps toward future career development. SOLAR addresses a critical gap in existing homeless support provision while fostering collaboration and resource-sharing among local organisations.
The impact
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Filling a critical gap
Given that homeless support organisations are often overwhelmed by the demand to address the immediate needs of the rough sleepers, SOLAR addresses a critical gap in services focusing on their self-esteem and self-actualisation needs. This approach complements existing support structures and provides a holistic pathway for them to build a sense of purpose and self-worth, which are essential for their long-term well-being and reintegration in to society.
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Sharing resources and strengthening connections in the community
SOLAR connects existing organisations spaces and resources to foster mutual support within the community. It promotes the sharing of knowledge and expertise already present in the local area to maximise community assets to address shared challenges. It enhances the support available to rough sleepers and also empowers the community to collectively contribute to solutions, creating sustainable and interconnected support network.
Figure 1. Project Scope
Figure 2. Ecosystem Map
Figure 3. Existing Service Map in Southall
with Service Gap indicated in Dark Orange
Figure 4. Existing Journey Map of the rough sleepers with NRFP
Figure 5. Personas
Figure 6. Insight Map
The problem
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Rough sleepers with NRPF face major barriers to employment and government assistance due to visa restrictions, leaving them vulnerable to violence, addiction, and long-term exclusion.
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Homeless support groups often lack space and capacity to provide upskilling or self-actualisation services.
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Local authorities are legally restricted from offering accommodation and struggle to establish effective collaborations.
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Local organisations face challenges engaging residents and sustaining a volunteer base.
The service
Drawing on in-depth interviews, ethnographic research, co-design sessions, and a pilot programme, SOLAR developed a collaborative service model that connects rough sleepers, homeless support organisations and local organisations to mutually beneficial ways and mobilises local councils supports through funding and facilitating the implementation. This collaborative structure ensures the service is well integrated within community and aligns with community and government objective for addressing homelessness.
The project also produced principles and recommendations for local councils to help them address complex social issues and reflect on how to approach similar issues.
Service model
Principles for local councils
