V1: Multi-Agency, Trauma-Informed, and Integrated Support Pathways
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Identifying Multi-Agency, Trauma-Informed, and Integrated Solutions for the Unmet Needs of People Experiencing Homelessness in Northumberland and North Tyneside
IRAS ID
311529
Contact name
Sheena Ramsay
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Newcastle university
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
People experiencing homelessness have very poor mental health; they are disproportionately affected by social vulnerabilities, substance use and trauma. This research addresses needs across Northumberland and North Tyneside where people experiencing homelessness have been disproportionately affected by the direct and indirect impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in relation to their social vulnerabilities and mental health. People experiencing homelessness frequently present at hospital emergency departments (ED), often without an immediate need for acute services – this represents underlying health and social care issues. People experiencing homelessness receive fragmented support across health, social care, housing and criminal justice systems, adding to difficulties accessing support when needed.
This research study aims to identify a way to deliver joined-up (‘multi-agency') support for people experiencing homelessness in Northumberland and North-Tyneside. This will mean that these individuals receive the right support at the right time from relevant services, and ultimately have better mental well-being. The study consists of five work packages. Work package 1 includes understanding the underlying needs of individuals experiencing homelessness presenting at the ED in Northumberland and North Tyneside. This will be achieved through using hospital data, and conducting interviews with service users and staff from NHS and other organisations that support service users. Work packages 2 and 3 include the co-development of a multi-agency pathway, with holistic support from voluntary and statutory sector partners. Work packages 4 and 5 will explore the feasibility and acceptability of adopting 'trauma-informed' approaches, whereby trauma, psychological and emotional needs are taken into consideration within the multi-agency pathway. Work packages 2 through 5 will involve conducting surveys and interviewing people with experience of homelessness, and staff from the NHS and other sectors supporting these service users.
REC name
West Midlands - Edgbaston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/WM/0099
Date of REC Opinion
4 May 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion