Project

Harm reduction intervention for severe drug and/or alcohol dependence among people who are homeless

–

Funded by National Institute for Health Research.

Collaboration with NHS Lothian, Scottish Drugs Forum, Streetwork, The Salvation Army, University of Aberdeen and University of Victoria.

For people experiencing homelessness and problem substance use, access to appropriate services can be challenging. There is evidence that the development of trusting relationships with non-judgemental staff can facilitate service engagement. Peer-delivered approaches show particular promise, but the evidence base is still developing. The study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of designing and implementing a peer-delivered, relational intervention to reduce harms and improve health/wellbeing, quality of life and social functioning, for people experiencing homelessness and problem substance use, using mixed methods.

Total award value £375,630.00

People (3)

Professor Tessa Parkes

Professor Tessa Parkes

Professor, Faculty of Social Sciences

Dr Hannah Carver

Dr Hannah Carver

Senior Lecturer, Sociology, Social Policy & Criminology

Dr Maria Fotopoulou

Dr Maria Fotopoulou

Senior Lecturer, Sociology, Social Policy & Criminology

Outputs (3)

Article

Assessing the feasibility, acceptability and accessibility of a peer-delivered intervention to reduce harm and improve the well-being of people who experience homelessness with problem substance use: the SHARPS study

Parkes T, Matheson C, Carver H, Foster R, Budd J, Liddell D, Wallace J, Pauly B, Fotopoulou M, Burley A, Anderson I, Price T, Schofield J & MacLennan G (2022) Assessing the feasibility, acceptability and accessibility of a peer-delivered intervention to reduce harm and improve the well-being of people who experience homelessness with problem substance use: the SHARPS study. Harm Reduction Journal, 19 (1), Art. No.: 10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-021-00582-5

Article

A peer-delivered intervention to reduce harm and improve the well-being of homeless people with problem substance use: the SHARPS feasibility mixed-methods study

Parkes T, Matheson C, Carver H, Foster R, Budd J, Liddell D, Wallace J, Pauly B, Fotopoulou M, Burley A, Anderson I & MacLennan G (2022) A peer-delivered intervention to reduce harm and improve the well-being of homeless people with problem substance use: the SHARPS feasibility mixed-methods study. Health Technology Assessment, 26 (14), pp. 1-128. https://doi.org/10.3310/wvvl4786

Commentary

"PPI? That sounds like Payment Protection Insurance": Reflections and learning from a substance use and homelessness study Experts by Experience group

Foster R, Carver H, Wallace J, Dunedin A, Burridge S, Foley P, Pauly B & Parkes T (2021) "PPI? That sounds like Payment Protection Insurance": Reflections and learning from a substance use and homelessness study Experts by Experience group. Research Involvement and Engagement, 7 (1), Art. No.: 82. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40900-021-00324-8

Research centres/groups

Research themes