Homelessness and the right to occupation and inclusion: an Australian perspective

Thomas, Yvonne; Gray, Marion; McGinty, Sue

doi:10.1179/otb.2010.62.1.005

Cited by 3 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 20 publications

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“…Participation in meaningful occupations can be a first step towards breaking the cycle of homelessness and social exclusion and encourage community participation (Australia, Homelessness Taskforce, 2008). Service providers including occupational therapists and other professionals have a responsibility to address disadvantage and social exclusion through collaborative practice aimed towards community engagement and inclusiveness (Lloyd, Tse & Deane, 2006; Thomas, Gray & McGinty, 2010).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Homeless adults engagement in art: First steps towards identity, recovery and social inclusion

Thomas

Gray

McGinty

et al. 2011

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal

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Background: The Australian policy on homelessness identifies participation in structured activities as the first step towards social inclusion and increasing the likelihood of permanently leaving a homeless lifestyle. Art interventions increase interpersonal function and social participation and provide a means of expression and transformation with people who are homeless. Aim: This study explores the value of an art programme provided by a non‐government agency for homeless adults. Method: Qualitative methods including participant observation and purposive interviews were analysed inductively and thematically to gain an understanding of the participants’ experience of art and its value. Interviews with stakeholders provided additional information and triangulation of the data. Results: The study demonstrates that art occupations provide a starting point for participation in community and a positive experience that encourages the construction of new identities, routines and roles. Furthermore, art provides an alternative from the problems associated with homelessness, mental health and substance abuse and allows for public recognition and social inclusion. Conclusions: Health professionals should work towards the social inclusion of homeless people through providing occupational opportunities for participation in safe settings as a first step to community engagement.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Homeless adults engagement in art: First steps towards identity, recovery and social inclusion

Thomas

Gray

McGinty

et al. 2011

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal

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“…For people who experience homelessness, participation in occupations is restricted by a lack of housing and resources (Stadnyk et al, 2010), with a number of authors recognising the disadvantage and marginalisation of homeless people in relation to the occupational opportunities available to them (Chapleau, 2010;Chard, Faulkner, & Chugg, 2009;Thomas, Gray, & McGinty, 2010;Van Leit, Starrett, & Crowe, 2006). While acknowledging the individual and structural barriers to occupational participation during homelessness, an occupational perspective allows for a nuanced, culturally and socially appropriate understanding of individual and collective occupations that contribute to a state of contentment fundamental to well-being.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The occupational wellbeing of people experiencing homelessness

Thomas

Gray

McGinty

2017

Journal of Occupational Science

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This paper reports findings of a study that utilised an occupational perspective to explore how wellbeing was achieved and sustained by the occupations of people experiencing homelessness in Australia. Thirty three in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with homeless individuals in a regional city in Australia. Data from the interviews were thematically analysed to understand the relationship between wellbeing, as defined by the individual, and the occupations engaged in by people experiencing homelessness. The findings are reported here as three collective narratives that illustrate the experiences of diverse groups within the homelessness population explored in this study. The study demonstrates how occupations go beyond the individual experience and choice; to explore the social and cultural value of occupations as a means to wellbeing. The findings are discussed in relation to three key themes that emerged from the study: survival, self-identity and social connectedness. These three interconnected concepts complement the existing occupational science literature, and offer a preliminary framework for understanding and improving wellbeing for disadvantaged and marginalised people where occupations are restricted by societal forces. The findings support the urgent need to redirect services to support occupational opportunities that are socially and culturally valued and enhance survival, self-identity and connectedness of homeless people.

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“…However, the real‐world alternative is often a discharge into homelessness as one of our participants noted. Homelessness is an infringement of a consumer's right to an adequate standard of living, including adequate housing (Article 28) and may well be the more detrimental option given the critical importance of housing for both occupational participation and mental health (Mental Health Council of Australia, 2009 ; Thomas et al, 2010 ). Thus, the root of the justice issues involved with HRDD is a lack of suitable and accessible housing for consumers.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

‘I'm institutionalised … there's not much I can do’: Lived experience of housing related delayed discharge

Chuah

Honey

Arblaster³

2022

Aus Occup Therapy J

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Introduction: Delayed discharge from inpatient mental health units is the continued hospitalisation of consumers after being assessed as ready to be discharged. This is common in adult inpatient mental health services and is usually due to a lack of appropriate housing for discharge. Research indicates a range of possible negative impacts, but no studies have explored consumers' perspectives on this issue. This study explores consumers' perspectives of the experience of housing related delayed discharge (HRDD).Method: Using a grounded theory approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 consumers. All consumers were experiencing HRDD from inpatient mental health units in one Sydney local health district. The data were analysed using constant comparative analysis.Findings: A lack of choice and control was the central theme that characterised participants' experiences. The combined experience of being delayed in hospital and being homeless led to a lack of choice and control over the basics in life, how consumers spent their time and with whom, and their futures. This lack of autonomy was shaped by the features of the hospital and participants' personal circumstance. The hospital features included rules and routines, physical and social environments, resources, and support from staff. Personal circumstances included individual situations, social networks, and support from community organisations. Participants described a variety of impacts, including reduced mental and physical well-being, and anticipated difficulty transitioning back into the community. Conclusion:This study is the first of its kind and provides consumer perspectives on the impacts of HRDD on their well-being and recovery. The inability to participate in meaningful and necessary occupations is an occupational injustice and implies the need for occupational therapists to advocate for both the prevention of HRDD through government investment in affordable and This research received no grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. Participants' tokens of appreciation were funded through the Honours Reimbursement Fund provided by the

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Homelessness and the right to occupation and inclusion: an Australian perspective

Cited by 3 publications

References 20 publications

Homeless adults engagement in art: First steps towards identity, recovery and social inclusion

Homeless adults engagement in art: First steps towards identity, recovery and social inclusion

The occupational wellbeing of people experiencing homelessness

‘I'm institutionalised … there's not much I can do’: Lived experience of housing related delayed discharge

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