Seatavern

The National Homeless Network every year convenes a ‘National Conversation about Homelessness’. The 9th such event will be taking place in Cape Town on 4-5 Nov 2024 and everyone is welcome. The NHN in partnership with the City of Cape Town is hosting the event at the City Hall in the heart of Cape Town. This is the first time that this event is being held in Cape Town.

The Conversation is open to anyone who is concerned about this issue: NGOs, religious groups, academics, journalists, businesses, concerned citizens and Government officials; and importantly people with a lived experience of homelessness.

All attendees need to register in advance by reserving a ticket so that we can track numbers and also keep you informed.

Tickets for this event are free as all costs are being sponsored by the City of Cape Town.Free accommodation and meals for out-of-town delegates have been provided by the Haven CPD Accreditation is being applied for, but may incur an extra cost for those who require them.

Each ticket covers:Attendance at Conversation sessions at the Cape Town City Hall on Tues 4th and Wed 5th Nov (8:00am-5:00pm)Refreshments and lunch on those daysPrinted resources provided at the eventElectronic copies of presentations sent out after the event

Tickets do NOT cover:Travel to and from Cape TownTravel around Cape TownAccommodation in Cape Town^Breakfast or dinnerOptional evening social activitiesCPD Points (if required)Tours of Best Practice Homeless sites in and around Cape Town (Monday and Thursday).

• To help optimise the cost of travel, we are applying for sponsorship of bus tickets from Johannesburg and Durban. Please let us know if you would like to know more about this option. Also let us know if you will be driving to the event, where from, and if you can offer transport to anyone else. Also let us know if you are looking for transport to the event or around Cape Town.^ Participants are free to make their own arrangements for accommodation. We can provide a list of reasonably priced accommodation near to the event. Haven has offered a limited number of free beds and meals at their facility in Retreat for any delegates requiring these. Transport to and from the Conference from this venue will be provided by U-turn and the Haven.

Please email nationalconversation@homeless.org.za with any queries.

Topics Covered:The Conversation will include a series of plenary sessions, panel discussions and workshops covering the topics listed below. These will be presented by Practitioners, Academics and people with lived experience of homelessness. Plenaries:Critical Continuums for Effective ReintegrationCape Town’s Strategy to reduce Rough SleepingHow Government and Non-Profit can partner for successVanguard Cities and the upcoming IJOH Conference in South AfricaSustainable Pathways for Exit

Panel Discussions:The Recovery Debate (Varying approaches to Substance Use Disorder)Housing First or Last? (Varying approaches to housing)Out of the box Social Enterprise models (Presentations by people with Lived Experience)Leadership under Pressure (Real Experiences from Leaders in the Sector)

Seminar Tracks:Partnership & Funding Metrics for Effective OutcomesCity of Cape Town Strategy & ImplementationA Common Language (Responding to FAQs)Jozi- my-Jozi (Private Sector / Government / NPO Collaboration)Funding Partnerships with Government and the Private SectorUnlocking the potential of BEE Funding

Psychosocial DevelopmentInterdisciplinary Function ModelEffective Peer Outreach Ensuring Success by Building MotivationSport as a Tool for HealingResponding to XenophobiaThe role of Spiritual Care

Substance Use and HealthcareHarm Reduction as a Primary ResponseStructured, Evidence-based RecoveryPeer Led, Community-based recoveryJudgement Free Primary HealthcareCare for Clients with Mental Health DisordersStaying Sober Long Term

Accommodation SolutionsSafe Spaces as intro to ShelterShelters as part of a Continuum Bridging the Gap with Transitional HomesBeyond Bricks & Mortar: Social HousingAccommodating Street ChildrenEnding Old Age Homelessness

Employment & Sustainable IncomePartnering with Gov’t for Work - PEP/EPWPVoucher Earning as a 1st Step to EmploymentMaking Social Enterprises ProfitableWorkspaces that are conducive to recoveryVocational Rehabilitation AssessmentPreparing for Exit into the Open Labour Market

Please note that the above list is subject to change