A Qualitative Study Exploring Access to Mental Health and Substance Use Support among Individuals Experiencing Homelessness during COVID-19

Emma A. Adams, Jeff Parker, Tony Jablonski, Joanne Kennedy, Fiona Tasker, Desmond Hunter, Katy Denham, Claire Smiles, Cassey Muir, Amy O’Donnell, Emily Widnall, Kate Dotsikas, Eileen Kaner and Sheena E. Ramsay
Additional contact information
Emma A. Adams: Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 4ES, UK
Jeff Parker: HeathNow, Crisis, City House 1 City Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2AF, UK
Tony Jablonski: HeathNow, Crisis, City House 1 City Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2AF, UK
Joanne Kennedy: Expert by Experience Network, Fulfilling Lives Newcastle Gateshead, Gateshead NE8 4DY, UK
Fiona Tasker: Expert by Experience Network, Fulfilling Lives Newcastle Gateshead, Gateshead NE8 4DY, UK
Desmond Hunter: HeathNow, Crisis, City House 1 City Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 2AF, UK
Katy Denham: Newcastle University Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
Claire Smiles: Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 4ES, UK
Cassey Muir: Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 4ES, UK
Amy O’Donnell: Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 4ES, UK
Emily Widnall: Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2PS, UK
Kate Dotsikas: Division of Psychiatry, UCL, London W1T 7BN, UK
Eileen Kaner: Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 4ES, UK
Sheena E. Ramsay: Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 4ES, UK

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 6, 1-14

Abstract: People experiencing homelessness have higher rates of mental ill-health and substance use and lower access to health services compared to the general population. The COVID-19 pandemic led to changes in service delivery across health and social care services, with many adopting virtual or telephone support for service users. This paper explores the experiences of access to community-based mental health and substance use support for people experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualitative telephone interviews were conducted with 10 women and 16 men (ages 25 to 71) who self-identified as experiencing homelessness in North East England between February and May 2021. With five individuals with lived experience, results were analysed using inductive reflexive thematic analysis. Reactive changes to support provision often led to inadvertent exclusion. Barriers to access included: physical locations, repetition of recovery stories, individual readiness, and limited availability. Participants suggested creating services reflective of need and opportunities for choice and empowerment. Community mental health and substance use support for people experiencing homelessness should ensure the support is personalised, responsive to need, inclusive, and trauma-informed. The findings of this research have important implications for mental health and substance use policy and practice for individuals who experience homelessness during a public health crisis.

Keywords: homelessness; multiple complex needs; mental health; substance use; health care access; COVID-19; health inequalities (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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