A practice research study concerning homeless service user involvement with a programme of social support work delivered in a specialized psychological trauma service

Abstract

Archard, P.J. and Murphy, David (2015) A practice research study concerning homeless service user involvement with a programme of social support work delivered in a specialized psychological trauma service. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 22 (6). pp. 360-370. ISSN 1365360-370. ISSN -2850 Access from the University of Nottingham repository: http://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/31956/1/homeless%20service%20-%20red%20and %20green.pdf Copyright and reuse:The Nottingham ePrints service makes this work by researchers of the University of Nottingham available open access under the following conditions. This article is made available under the University of Nottingham End User licence and may be reused according to the conditions of the licence. For more details see: http://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/end_user_agreement.pdf A note on versions:The version presented here may differ from the published version or from the version of record. If you wish to cite this item you are advised to consult the publisher's version. Please see the repository url above for details on accessing the published version and note that access may require a subscription.For more information, please contact eprints@nottingham.ac.uk 1 A practice research study concerning homeless service user involvement with a programme of social support work delivered in a specialised psychological trauma service Abstract Introduction: This article presents a qualitative 'practice research' study into a pilot programme of social support work delivered in a specialised psychological trauma service to homeless service users that was grounded in non-directive, person-centred approach and staffed by student social workers. Homeless people are a population known to be highly vulnerable to trauma, in triggering events to becoming homeless and the considerable social isolation, discrimination, and adversity suffered when homeless. Currently, there is a paucity of research into mental health service delivery to homeless persons and the influence it imparts in individual lives.Research aim/question: To research a person-centred support work programme as it was received by service users domiciled in supported housing for homeless persons, encompassing experiencing the programme, worker-service user engagement and contextual influences bearing upon positive outcomes.Method: Narrative interviews gathered the impressions of service users and support workers. The data arising from these interviews was analysed thematically. Results:The service user participants valued support work that combined practical and relational elements, however would have preferred a longer-term involvement. They also spoke of feelings of disconnection and estrangement from others including their peers in the supported housing facility in which they resided. The worker participants valued the flexibility of person-centred work tailored to service users' individual needs but reflected service user concerns around the short-term nature of their involvement.. The learning experience provide...

Common trust and personal safety issues: A systematic review on the acceptability of health and social interventions for persons with lived experience of homelessness

“…People who experienced homelessness or vulnerable housing often felt that the limited housing options did not address their personal needs and preferences, such as preferred neighbourhoods or housing with sufficient privacy, or were unattainable due to restrictive eligibility criteria. [55,56,58,60,72,80,86] Youth expressed interest in congregate housing models, as these promoted companionship and a sense of community and surrogate family with others in similar circumstances. [67,86] Women prioritized the safety of their children and expressed concerns regarding the safety of the neighbourhoods in which they lived.…”

“…Youth, in particular, highlighted the need for stability, continuity and commitment by support workers. [55,56,58,62,64,66,70,77,79,80,82,86]…”

An exploratory study on the factors affecting the mental health and well‐being of frontline workers in homeless services

“…Hill, ), thematic field analysis and microanalysis (e.g. Archard & Murphy, ; Chamberlayne, ) and grounded theory (e.g. Samiley, ).…”

“…The benefits of PIE are still being researched, but the premise is that a greater understanding of psychological trauma and its impact on their clients allows staff members to feel more confident in positively responding to challenging behaviour (e.g. Archard & Murphy, ) and to better recognise signs of burnout and compassion fatigue in themselves and peers (Hopper, Bassuk, & Olivet, ; MEAM & Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, ; Prestidge, ).…”

Understanding Models of Support for People Facing Multiple Disadvantage: A Literature Review

“…ringing at an agreed time), there was no point trusting them with the real issues. Archard and Murphy's (2015) study provides an account of how mental health support work is experienced by homeless service users when it is informed by a person-centred, non-directive approach and implemented by trainee health and social care professionals under the auspices of a specialized psychological trauma service. Service users appreciated the face-to-face time support workers could, with relatively modest caseloads, invest in working alongside them.…”