Drugs Housing and Homelessness - Strategic Issues

About this course: This course looks at the relationship between drug use and housing need. It highlights the linked problems of increased levels of drug use amongst people who are homeless, the increased risk that this drug use poses, and the barriers to services for people who are homeless and use drugs. It goes on to look at the spectrums of drug use and housing and models of housing that are inclusive rather than exclusive of drug users.

Duration: one day

Aimed at: Managers and commissioners engaged in or developing services for drug users who are homeless or vulnerably housed. Especially suitable for DAT housing leads, SP commissioners, housing project managers and others with a strategic lead. This course is NOT aimed at Front-line workers.

Objectives: By the end of the course, participants will:

• Understand the links between homelessness and drug use.
• Be familiar with key research exploring the relationship between homelessness and drug use
• Be aware of key risks for people who are homeless and using drugs
• Understand the spectrum of drug-related need and how that relates to a spectrum oh housing provision
• Understand key issues in assessing local need amongst homeless drug users
• Be aware of innovative models of housing for drug users, and of recent publications highlighting best practice
• Be able to identify key barriers to accommodation for drug users
• Be aware of the scope for developing accessible provision for drug users in housing need.

Format: Taught sections, group discussion, work in small groups and pairs

Handouts: copies of OHPs and drugs facts will be provided; further reading lists are included

DANOS Modules: AA3, AA4, AB2, AC1, AD1, AF1, AF2, AG2, AG3, AL2, AK3, BA3