What we do

The Exeter STaR project provides enhanced support and recovery interventions to people experiencing rough sleeping or living in supported accommodation, with substance misuse challenges. The project was set up to work with people that have experienced difficulties engaging with traditional models of care who need specialist interventions for their complex health and social care needs STaR provides a comprehensive range of interventions, where the client is placed at the centre.

STaR is a partnership project, bringing together substance misuse, physical health, social inclusion, housing, and psychology expertise to address these complex challenges using a trauma-informed approach in non-traditional settings (outreach).

Inclusion criteria for STaR

We can only accept referrals for individuals experiencing homelessness within Exeter

• Rough sleeping (including sofa surfers with long history of rough sleeping)

or

• Tier 1 and 2 temporary accommodation

and

• Have unmet substance use needs and not currently accessing drug or alcohol treatment

The Clocktower Surgery

The Clocktower surgery is part of Inclusion Health Devon who caters exclusively for Exeter’s & Barnstaple's homeless and vulnerably housed. Colocated within CoLab in Exeter (Clocktower) and the Freedom Centre in Barnstaple working alongside other agencies to deliver more efficient and streamlined support for their client groups.

Having a GP surgery dedicated to caring for the homeless and vulnerably housed under the same roof as housing, support, mental health, and probation services, as well as a number of other voluntary agencies, has empowered Inclusion Health Devon to change for the better the lives of some of the city’s most disadvantaged residents.

About Us

The Exeter STaR (System, Treatment and Recovery) project is a pioneering initiative funded by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), designed to support individuals experiencing rough sleeping or living in temporary accommodation who are facing substance misuse challenges. The project aims to transform engagement and recovery outcomes through a trauma-informed, person-centred approach.

STaR is a partnership-driven project, involving organisations such as CoLab, Together Devon, BCHA, Julian House, Clock Tower Surgery, BtheChange, Devon & Cornwall Police, Exeter City Council, and Devon County Council Public Health 1.

It builds on existing best practices and relationships, aligning with other programmes like RSI (Rough Sleeper Initiative) and One Mental Health Team to unify as a multidisciplinary team under a “One Team Model”.

The team operates using the MEAM (Making Every Adult Matter) framework, which promotes coordinated, long-term solutions to complex social challenges through partnership working and trauma informed care.