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Purpose: This paper aims to explore the lived experiences of key stakeholders working with homeless people during the implementation of universal credit during the austerity years. Design/methodology/approach: The literature on austerity reveals welfare reforms' impact on support services staff. Service providers' perceptions of the impact of austerity-led policies and welfare reform via nine interviews with people working in homelessness organisations in Brighton and Hove in the UK. Service providers see the situation for their service users has gotten worse and that the policies make it more difficult to extricate themselves from their current situation. Three central themes relating to the impact of austerity-led welfare reforms were, namely, Universal Credit: the imposition of a precarious livelihood on welfare claimants; a double-edged sword: "If people are sanctioned: people can't pay"; and "Hard to maintain my own mental equilibrium". Findings: More precisely, this paper captures service providers' perceptions and experiences of the impact of austerity-led policies on their services and how they believe this, in turn, impacts their clients and their own lives. Research limitations/implications: The dimension cuts across service provision to vulnerable people and is intertwined with health and well-being outcomes. Austerity is detrimental to the health of service users and their clients. It is known that when it comes to the health and well-being of the most vulnerable, who have suffered most from the impacts of austerity policies. However, in times of open austerity, it falls also on those trying to ease their suffering. Originality/value: The data suggest that policies were developed and accentuated by austerity, which led to the stripping of welfare support from vulnerable people. This process has impacted the people who rely on welfare and service providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to consider how a South East project approached systems change to improve unsupported temporary accommodation (UTA) and the changes made for people experiencing multiple disadvantage ("multiple and complex needs"). This paper also covers some matters that are hard to change or uncertain, such as housing shortages and financial constraints. The paper focuses on a case study of the East Sussex Temporary Accommodation Action Group (TAAG) – a multi-agency action group. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative case study involving a thematic analysis of seven semi-structured interviews, with a review of published literature and internal documentation. Findings: This example of setting up a TAAG shows us the value of having a dedicated forum to look at a part of the system that requires changing and to identify what works well. Creating a collaborative and democratic space with a common purpose brings different stakeholders and perspectives together and opens discussions to new ways of working. Equalising partners creates an opportunity to create change from the bottom-up within a system traditionally governed by statutory bodies. This study found that the TAAG has facilitated learning around trauma-informed practice and nurtured more sustainable changes towards a Standards Charter and women-only safe UTA. Originality/value: This is one of the first qualitative case studies of a local systems change approach to improving UTA for people experiencing multiple disadvantage in East Sussex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to update the core data set of self-neglect safeguarding adult reviews (SARs) and accompanying thematic analysis. It also explores whether lessons are being learned from the findings and recommendations of an increasing number of reviews on self-neglect cases. Design/methodology/approach: Further published reviews are added to the core data set, mainly drawn from the websites of safeguarding adults boards (SABs). Thematic analysis is updated using the domains used previously. The domains and the thematic analysis are grounded in the evidence-based model of good practice, reported in this journal previously. Findings: Familiar findings emerge from the thematic analysis and reinforce the evidence-base of good practice with individuals who self-neglect and for policies and procedures with which to support those practitioners working with such cases. Multiple exclusion homelessness and alcohol misuse are prominent. Some SABs are having to return to further cases of self-neglect to review, inviting scrutiny of what is (not) being learned from earlier findings and recommendations. Research limitations/implications: The national database of reviews commissioned by SABs remains incomplete. The Care Act 2014 does not require publication of reports but only a summary of findings and recommendations in SAB annual reports. National Health Service Digital annual data sets do not enable the identification of reviews by types of abuse and neglect. However, the first national analysis of SARs has found self-neglect to be the most prominent type of abuse and/or neglect reviewed. Drawing together the findings builds on what is known about the components of effective practice, and effective policy and organisational arrangements for practice. Practical implications: Answering the question "why" remains a significant challenge for SARs. The findings confirm the relevance of the evidence-base for effective practice but SARs are limited in their analysis of what enables and what obstructs the components of best practice. Greater explicit use of research and other published SARs might assist with answering the "why" question. Greater scrutiny is needed of the impact of the national legal, policy and financial context within which adult safeguarding is situated. Originality/value: The paper extends the thematic analysis of available reviews that focus on study with adults who self-neglect, further reinforcing the evidence base for practice. Propositions are explored, concerned with whether learning is being maximised from the process of case review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to present a case study about the Team Around Me (TAM) model of case coordination which was developed by Fulfilling Lives Islington and Camden (FLIC) as an action experiment. The model is a standardised tool for running case conferences for clients experiencing multiple disadvantage (MD). Design/methodology/approach: Deploying a case study approach, this study explores why a TAM-coordinated approach is beneficial for people experiencing MD. Findings: The authors explore why the need for effective case coordination is integral for clients experiencing MD, and how current structures fail to facilitate effective case management. The authors put forward an argument for the four core principles underpinning the TAM model: strengths-based, action-focussed, systems thinking and client involvement. The barriers to embedding and upscaling this approach are discussed, alongside the obstacles presented by the wider system that prevent wider implementation. Originality/value: The TAM model is a new approach to case conferences, designed and upscaled by FLIC, and has since been adopted across two London boroughs, and training has reached services across the UK. This paper highlights the need for innovative approaches to case coordination that centre client involvement, promote a strengths-based approach and recognise system blockages as a key barrier to client progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review the history and current state of provision of homeless medical respite services in the UK, drawing first on the international context. The paper then articulates the need for medical respite services in the UK, and profiles some success stories. The paper then outlines the considerable challenges that currently exist in the UK, considers why some other services have failed and proffers some solutions.Design/methodology/approach The paper is primarily a literature review, but also offers original analysis of data and interviews, and presents new ideas from the authors. All authors have considerable experience of assessing the need for and delivering homeless medical respite services.Findings The paper builds on previous published information regarding need, and articulates the human rights argument for commissioning care. The paper also discusses the current complex commissioning arena, and suggests solutions.Research limitations/implications The literature review was not a systematic review, but was conducted by authors with considerable experience in the field. Patient data quoted are on two limited cohorts of patients, but broadly relevant. Interviews with stakeholders regarding medical respite challenges have been fairly extensive, but may not be comprehensive.Practical implications This paper will support those who are thinking of undertaking a needs assessment for medical respite, or commissioning a new medical respite service, to understand the key issues involved.Social implications This paper challenges the existing status quo regarding the need for a "cost-saving" rationale to set up these services.Originality/value This paper aims to be the definitive paper for anyone wishing to get an overview of this topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Social impact bonds (SIBs) have become a favoured way to fund public services, including housing, prison and homelessness projects, in an era of austerity. In a growing critical literature on SIBs, a largely absent voice is that of the link worker. This paper aims to focus on the views of link workers in a SIB funded project which works with long-term entrenched rough sleepers in the East of England. Design/methodology/approach: Interviews with link workers were conducted with a thematic analysis echoing many of the views expressed in the critical literature not only about the problems but also some of the advantages that SIBs offer to this type of project. Findings: Three key themes were discomfort with the funding mechanism; flexible and innovative interventions that SIBs make possible; and problems with the outcome measures that trigger payments. This study concludes that if SIBs are to achieve their promise of providing funding which leads to effective solutions to deeply ingrained social problems, there needs to be more careful evaluation of their true benefits in comparison to publicly funded projects, adoption of more appropriate and project-specific outcome measures and a much clearer explanation and justification of the way in which SIB funding works. Originality/value: Few studies have specifically explored the perceptions of front-line link workers in the homelessness sector. This study highlights not only the concerns but also the benefits associated with the use of SIB as a funding mechanism within the homelessness sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to assess frailty, geriatric conditions and multimorbidity in people experiencing homelessness (PEH) using holistic evaluations based on comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) and draw comparisons with general population survey data. Design/methodology/approach: Cross-sectional observational study conducted in a London-based hostel for single PEH over 30 years old in March–April 2019. The participants and key workers completed health-related questionnaires, and geriatric conditions were identified using standardised assessments. Frailty was defined according to five criteria in Fried's phenotype model and multimorbidity as the presence of two or more long-term conditions (LTCs). Comparisons with the general population were made using data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing and the Health Survey for England. Findings: A total of 33 people participated with a mean age of 55.7 years (range 38–74). Frailty was identified in 55% and pre-frailty in 39%. Participants met an average of 2.6/5 frailty criteria, comparable to 89-year-olds in the general population. The most common geriatric conditions were: falls (in 61%), visual impairment (61%), low grip strength (61%), mobility impairment (52%) and cognitive impairment (45%). All participants had multimorbidity. The average of 7.2 LTCs (range 2–14) per study participant far exceeds the average for even the oldest people in the general population. Originality/value: To the best of authors' knowledge, this is the first UK-based study measuring frailty and geriatric conditions in PEH and the first anywhere to do so within a CGA-type evaluation. It also demonstrates the feasibility of conducting holistic evaluations in this setting, which may be used clinically to improve the health outcomes for PEH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Trusting and empathic relationships between project workers and people experiencing homelessness (PEH) form the cornerstone for their needs to be met. However, under the UK austerity agenda project workers practice in a context of increasing pressure and limited resources; with relationships often characterised by conditionality and disconnection. The purpose of this paper is to report on a study investigating project workers' experiences of building relationships with PEH living in supported housing projects. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative design was employed in which focus groups were carried out in six projects, using an opportunity sample of 22 project workers. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, within a social constructionist epistemology. Findings: Three main themes were identified: "Working hard to build connection", "Supporting each other within an unsupportive context" and "Draining but sustaining". Project workers acted out of strong value systems in building relationships with residents against a backdrop of systemic disconnection. Originality/value: Clear clinical implications are put forward with in a Psychologically Informed Environment framework. Services supporting PEH need to be psychologically informed and organisations need to embed reflection within their policies and every day practice. In developing services for PEH interdependence not in/dependence needs to be the aim. Finally, the responsibility for improving the lives of PEH should be placed back on society to provide a context in which PEH can thrive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an exploratory account of the links between devolution, homelessness and health in the UK. Specifically, it focusses on the policy context and governance structures that shape the systems of healthcare for homeless people in London, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.Design/methodology/approach Empirically the paper draws on semi-structured interviews with a small sample of policy and practice actors from the devolved territories. Qualitative interviews were supplemented by a comparative policy analysis of the homelessness and health agenda within the devolved regions. Theoretically, it takes inspiration from Chaney’s concept of the “issue salience of homelessness” and explores the comparative character of healthcare as pertains to homeless people across the devolved territories.Findings The paper provides clear evidence of areas of divergence and convergence in policy and practice between the devolved regions. These features are shown to be strongly mediated by the interplay of two factors: first, the scope and scale of national and local homelessness prevention strategies; and second, intra-national variation in public health responses to homelessness.Originality/value The paper offers considerable insight from a comparative policy perspective into the nature of healthcare provision for homeless people in the devolved regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- The purpose of this paper is to explore the operationalizing of a philosophy of humanization of hostel care and the challenge to such development presented by the proposed adoption of the "housing first" approach ("Chez Soi D'Abord") in Paris. Design/methodology/approach -- The paper is a translation of the transcript of an address given by the author to a symposium of psycho-analytic therapists working with the homelessness resettlement services in their quarter of Paris. It is a narrative of service development, described in some practical detail, with philosophical and psycho-analytic depths. Findings -- A philosophy of care and social education is replacing the philosophy of surveillance that had characterized earlier development of hostels. Psycho-analytic concepts, based on the writings of Lacan, help to understand the importance of addressing the profound psycho-social dislocation of individuals subject to the implicit violence of their situation. Originality/value -- This is the first known paper in print and in English to describe the development of a psychologically informed environment in homelessness resettlement in France. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Many homeless people have significant levels of early adverse experiences and consequent mental health difficulties. The purpose of this paper is to examine the experiences of residents and staff living and working in a psychologically informed environment (PIE), a new model of hostel for homeless people which aims to update and make more flexible the principles of the therapeutic community, thereby meeting the psychological and emotional needs of residents.Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews were carried out with nine residents, ten staff and five psychotherapists at two PIE hostels in London. The data were analysed using thematic analysis with a phenomenological epistemological approach.Findings Analysis generated 18 themes for residents and staff combined, organised into five domains: what makes a home, resident needs, managing relationships, reflective practice and theory vs practice of PIEs. The study suggests that PIEs broadly meet their aim in providing a different type of environment from standard hostels. Efforts to build relationships with residents are particularly prioritised. This work can be challenging for staff and reflective practice groups provide a supportive forum. There are limits to the extent to which the theoretical PIE can be put into practice in the current political and economic climate.Originality/value This is one of the first qualitative studies of PIEs. It provides perspectives on their theoretical background as well as how they operate and are experienced in practice. It may be informative to services intending to establish a PIE and to commissioners in assessing appropriate resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper seeks to suggest that social housing can and should be the local hub for cost-effective, human-scale health and wellbeing. It aims to explore the way that community-based housing providers can help health and social care services to deliver long-term wellbeing. Design/methodology/approach – The argument is illustrated with examples of constructive practice drawn from membership of the PlaceShapers Group of housing associations, across different parts of England. Findings – Localism and promotion of public health lie at the roots of social housing, dating back more than 150 years. Because of their physical stake and presence in communities, social landlords are able to offer combined homes and support in a way and on a scale that few private operators can match. So social housing providers are in a prime position to add value and recast the relationship between health, wellbeing, social care and housing. But social housing organisations and their leaders will need to be highly inventive, enterprising and determined to reap the full rewards for service users and neighbourhoods. Practical implications – Changes to the health, wellbeing and social care landscape, coming into effect in England and Wales from April 2013, present a unique opportunity to bridge the "parallel worlds" of housing and health. Local housing providers now have the chance to bond their long-term presence, commitment and investment in communities to the new outcomes required for health and social care. Originality/value – The lead author is chair of a grouping of community-based housing associations working throughout England and is especially well placed to identify examples of innovative practice, such as those described in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper seeks to discuss the need and scope for application of psychological therapeutic techniques in work with problems of chaotic or dysfunctional behaviour, as found among users of homelessness resettlement services. Design/methodology/approach – The paper summarises recent research and UK policy guidance on the mental health needs encountered by frontline homelessness service resettlement staff on a daily basis. It goes on to discuss the impact of these experiences, and the value of training to help staff manage such encounters with greater awareness and skills. In particular, the paper considers the ethical dimension for staff, in responding to users' histories of emotional distress. Findings – There is a relative dearth of studies providing evidence on stress and burn-out amongst resettlement staff, compared to healthcare staff; nevertheless they face the same or similar pressures in their day-to-day work with clients. When asked to consider psychological techniques, some staff may initially fear being expected to be a psychotherapist; but research from clinical practice and recent training workshop experience suggest that training, especially where complemented by supervision or reflective practice, leaves staff feeling more confident. Originality/value – The application of formal psychological thinking in homelessness resettlement is a relatively new field. This is the first paper to explore issues arising from the perspective of the ethical dilemmas faced by frontline staff in the work of relating to clients' distressed or distressing experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper aims to illustrate realities of homeless people's lives during a time of significant change in UK public sector funding and welfare policy. Design/methodology/approach - A participatory research approach was used including working with two co-researchers; two people who have direct experience of homelessness. A sustainable livelihoods approach was adapted to provide a framework for analysis. The research was undertaken during May to October 2011. Findings - The paper interrogates five areas of assets held by people themselves that support sustainable livelihoods, an existing approach used in other research. Life journey narratives show that a connected range of services, operating through an empowerment model, promote human dignity. Research limitations/implications - Findings resonate with issues identified in larger studies; however, as the funding and policy context is rapidly changing it is recommended that additional local qualitative studies could be conducted during the next three years to illustrate impacts in people's lives. Practical implications - The paper suggests front-line services must include resettlement as well as crisis and stabilising services in order to ensure homeless people can successfully move from home to home. Social implications - The research identified negative attitudes towards homeless people. By illustrating homeless people's achievements the study provides evidence of the impact of, and the value of continuing to fund, homeless services. Originality/value - The paper suggests that people who have experienced homelessness achieve a successful life with support by drawing on their considerable life experience and personal talents. This message is important for practitioners, commissioners and policy makers working through a period of change for homeless services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- This paper aims to offer a commentary on Psychologically Informed Services: A Good Practice Guide, a recently published operational guidance document on developing psychologically informed environments in services for homeless people. Design/methodology/approach -- The paper is an invited opinion piece and comment based on the specialist experience and viewpoint of the author as a clinical psychologist working in a primary care mental health service for homeless people, The Wellbeing Service in Bristol. Findings -- The paper is an account of the Wellbeing Service with a mixture of paid staff and volunteers, some of whom are experts by experience. The approach is outlined, with a description of a number of individual, group work and other engagement opportunities offered at various potential entry points. The pathway is then illustrated through the example of one individual, told largely in his own words. Originality/value -- The journeys of recovery are not straightforward and are rarely linear and services need to work hard to ensure that we engage people at the point where they currently are, allowing for them to drop out but, crucially, enabling them to return. Keywords Psychologically informed environments, Pathways, Entry points, United Kingdom, Homelessness, Public health [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- This paper aims to offer a critical analysis of the potentially traumatising nature of working with (dis)stressed and traumatised people with complex needs who are homeless. It also seeks to provide a commentary on the contribution of Psychologically Informed Services: A Good Practice Guide in addressing the impact of these difficult dynamics upon workers, teams and organisations. Design/methodology/approach -- The paper is an invited piece and is based on the specialist experience and viewpoint of the authors working as psychotherapists with a background in therapeutic community work and of their experience of reflective practice and team development consultancy with teams working in homelessness services. Findings -- With increasing demand and more restricted funding for homelessness resettlement services, the authors raise issues in the complex interaction of institutional and social and interpersonal dilemmas for staff "stuck in the middle" between the (dis)stressing nature of clients' "unhoused" minds and the (dis)stressed response of the systems of care. A group-analytic, systems psychodynamics approach is used to shed light upon the risks to workers when services do not make time to reflect upon these (dis)stressing and potentially traumatising dynamics. They also point towards some of the personal and professional characteristics required in consulting to staff teams and agencies working with such complex dynamics. Originality/value -- The new operational guidance is welcomed, however, the authors suggest that the successful implementation of Psychologically Informed Environments (PIEs) is reliant on the capacity of any given organisation to build effective cultures and structures to support the development of reflective practice and team development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- This paper aims to offer a commentary on Psychologically Informed Services: A Good Practice Guide, a recently published operational guidance document on developing psychologically informed environments (PiEs) in services for homeless people. Design/methodology/approach -- The paper is an invited opinion piece and comment based on the author's specialist knowledge gained from undertaking research addressing the experiences and needs of young runaways. Findings -- The new operational guidance is welcomed but should be extended so that psychologically informed environments are provided in services for young runaways under the age of 16, who often encounter abuse, mental health issues and problematic substance misuse and experience homelessness post 16 and into adulthood. Originality/value -- Commissioners and practitioners should encourage the development of psychologically informed environments for young runaways to meet their needs, aid recovery and reduce the likelihood of experiencing homelessness as they move into adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to explore how homelessness affects access to information serving higher-level needs such as identity formation and social interaction. Design/methodology/approach – A multi-disciplinary literature review informed the design of 18 semi-structured interviews as well as their subsequent analysis. The interview data were intended to be qualitative and exploratory since they addressed a perceived gap in the information and library science literature. Findings – Findings present the ways in which interviewees managed to access information and the way such information helps socialisation and well-being. Research limitations/implications – The study focused on individuals who were potentially more confident and resourceful. The study is also limited to Glasgow which has relatively good provision for the homeless. Further research in a different locale and among less confident individuals would be necessary to corroborate findings in this regard. Practical implications – The findings confirmed a fundamental research assumption that homeless individuals would pursue higher-level needs alongside more basic physiological needs. This has practical implications for public libraries' service provision to homeless populations, and also suggests there is greater room for collaboration between libraries and homeless service agencies. Originality/value – The paper addresses a gap in the literature concerning homelessness and higher-level needs. This has implications for the provision of information and services within both public libraries and organisations serving the homeless. Findings also challenge widespread assumptions regarding the "otherness" or distinctiveness of people who are homeless. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to describe the origins of the concept of a psychologically informed environment (PIE), as now adopted and applied in homelessness resettlement, placing this in the context of work recently carried out under the aegis of the Royal College of Psychiatrists' Centre for Quality Improvement to recognise and promote "enabling environments" in all areas of social practice. Design/methodology/approach – This paper gives an historical account of the contemporary development of new thinking and practical applications for enhancing community mental health and well-being. Findings – The concept of an enabling environment (EE) arose out of efforts to up-date for the twenty-first century the post-war concept of a therapeutic community, for all services working with the same basic core values and psycho-social awareness. The EE approach now applies this framework more flexibly, yet with a clear operational focus in each sector, to a wider range of organisational contexts, social practice and agencies outside the therapy and care services world. From the outset, homelessness resettlement and social housing practice was seen as a key part of the overall ambition. Practical implications – Understanding the values base behind social-psychological approaches in social practice environments helps to translate these ideas into service-led improvements in actual frontline services practice. In particular, the enabling environments approach offers a handy tool for self-assessment and service improvement, which is fully compatible with the PIE's philosophy. Originality/value – The concept of a PIE is currently acquiring momentum within homelessness resettlement work in the UK. In helping to establish the underlying values framework for psychologically-informed services; and also provide tools for such services to use, this paper makes a contribution to help inform developing practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to describe a novel collaboration between a worker and a former service user in developing two support groups – an art group and an "alcoholics anonymous group" self help group – at a central London "Wet" hostel for the homeless. The paper seeks to explore the issues raised for both workers in this experience. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is a jointly written case study of innovative and reflective practice. It begins with an overview of policy frameworks and research that promote and advocate inclusion practice; then gives an account of the origins and development of the collaboration initiative; and concludes with reflections from each of the participants on what they have gained from the experience. Findings – The main challenge for professionals lies in the need for "self-reflective" practice and to challenge their own personal investments in the maintenance of their professional role and status. For ex-service users, the challenge is to overcome low self-confidence, the safety of the all-too-familiar "service user" role, and to realise that, despite real obstacles, a productive, useful contribution can be made to society. This can therefore be seen as a journey for both parties. Social implications – Working with multiple exclusion homelessness can leave professionals feeling isolated and deskilled, leading people with complex needs to be further excluded from services that feel that they do not fit their criteria. Tackling these issues requires time for reflection on the personal issues raised. Originality/value – The paper provides unique learning and insight into the development and running of support groups, resulting from the novel collaboration between a worker and a former service user. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper seeks to describe the development process for the Outcomes Stars as a suite of tools which are designed to simultaneously measure and support change when working with vulnerable people as service users. It describes the original process of development of the first Star, in homelessness services in the UK, and subsequent roll out to other client groups and in other countries. The paper indicates the theoretical and philosophical under-pinning of an approach which aims to embody both research and values-based practice in empowerment and respect for the individual.Design/methodology/approach - As a case study of development by the development team, the paper is based on first-hand knowledge but builds upon extensive consultations with practitioners and users and relates these to the needs and strengths of service users, the contemporary policy framework, and wider research in the field.Findings - The Outcomes Star draws on the core principles of Action Research and Participatory Action Research and extends them beyond research into assessment and outcome measurement. As yet there has been no formal research on the usefulness of the Star approach; but, there is a rapid take up of this approach within the UK and further a field. The paper argues that the approach has proved popular, because the Outcomes Star is rooted in a philosophy that is more in tune with that of people delivering services and more closely reflects the reality of those receiving services, compared to traditional measurement techniques.Practical implications - The paper aims to stimulate further thought and effective practice in measuring outcomes for vulnerable people, and on the most useful means to engage and support people in the co-production of their own futures.Originality/value - Although the development and take-up of the Outcomes Star approach has been rapid in practice, this is the first paper in which these more theoretical and philosophical roots have been outlined and explored in such depth. It will be of use to service providers, to deepen their awareness, and to commissioners, policy makers and regulatory bodies wishing to promote practical approaches to quality assurance of evidence-based and evidence-generating practice. It will also be of interest to moral philosophers and others wishing to understand the translation of values into social practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to take a look at the growth and development of Depaul International, the parent company of a group of charities that work to tackle homelessness around the world, as an international homelessness charity.Design/methodology/approach - The paper looks at the approach of Depaul International and the key role that community networks and local start-ups have to bear on the company's expansion into becoming a global organisation.Findings - This paper shows how the ability to work within a broad network of governments and an international community with grass roots impact has been vital to Depaul International's expansion.Originality/value - Homelessness is an issue that affects people across the world in a variety of ways and it means different things in different cultures. This paper demonstrates Depaul International's response to this issue: not to offer a top down response, but to help local people set up their own independent charities that are governed locally but have the guidance and expertise of the Depaul group, so that together a global response can be offered to homelessness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper builds on previous work applying the concept of well-being to the field of housing. It uses the concepts of self-esteem, efficacy and social identity to explore the situations of a group of young homeless mothers. In particular, it focuses on the impact of well-being factors, among others, in understanding the uptake of education and training services. The paper concludes by arguing that well-being issues are crucial for housing agencies and others who want to engage with young homeless people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- This paper aims to offer a commentary on Psychologically Informed Services: A Good Practice Guide, a recently published operational guidance document on developing psychologically informed environments (PIEs) in services for homeless people. Design/methodology/approach -- The paper is an invited opinion piece and comment, based on the specialist experience and viewpoint of the author as a rehabilitation psychiatrist, a medical historian of the therapeutic community movement, and a member of the "enabling environments" development group. Findings -- The new operational guidance is welcomed, with some provisos. Specifically, the author is concerned that, in the prevailing commissioning culture, and the individual pathology-based presumptions of the "medical model", a focus on the "psychological" may be taken to mean a stress on individual psychology and therapeutic techniques derived from individual therapy. This may distract attention from the need to work with the whole social environment,with peer support and with recognition of the importance of informal interactions, as opportunities for growth, if services are to work with the whole person. Originality/value -- Services that wish to develop as PIEs need to take care to work with the whole person, and their social selves, and to develop enabling environments that recognise and work with the importance of all relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- This paper seeks to offer a commentary on Psychologically Informed Services: A Good Practice Guide, a recently published operational guidance document on developing psychologically informed environments (PiEs) in services for homeless people. Design/methodology/approach -- The paper is an invited opinion piece and comment based on the specialist experience and viewpoint of the author, as Chief Executive of SITRA, a membership-based organisation representing approximately 1000 organisations in the housing care and support sector in the UK. Findings -- The new operational guidance is welcomed, with some provisos. The author notes the extent to which the guidance is compatible with current philosophies of service development, especially those commended and endorsed by government; but is concerned over how far it will be practicable to extend best practice, as recommended in the guidance, at a time when many services are being forced to cut their costs, and some are for example employing less experienced staff at lower rates. Originality/value -- The guidance is welcome in recognising best practice; but increasing expectations of the sector may be frustrated and undermined by the drive for savings in an era of austerity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- This paper seeks to offer a commentary on Psychologically Informed Services: A Good Practice Guide, a recently published operational guidance document on developing psychologically informed environments (PIEs) in services for homeless people. Design/methodology/approach -- The paper is an invited opinion piece and comment, based on the specialist experience and viewpoint of the author as Chief Executive of Second Step, a housing association providing support to a range of vulnerable people. Findings -- The new operational guidance is welcomed. The author outlines the use of the concept of a psychologically informed environment, as developed in practice through an initial pilot service run by Second Step. This practice learning was then spread and developed more broadly through other Second Step services. Originality/value -- On the basis of their experience, the author makes observations on what was found most useful, to "inform" their service. The agency has now agreed a Psychological Therapies Strategy, which focuses on developing training for staff on interventions that can be effectively used within the staff role. Reflective practice is promoted throughout the service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- This paper seeks to offer a commentary on Psychologically Informed Services: A Good Practice Guide, a recently published operational guidance document on developing psychologically informed environments (PIEs) in services for homeless people. Design/methodology/approach -- The paper is an invited opinion piece and comment based on the specialist experience and viewpoint of the author in working with advocacy services in the UK and in the USA. Findings -- The new operational guidance is welcomed, with some provisos. Specifically, any emphasis on training for staff should certainly include an equal weighting on training for service users themselves in order to support positive self-direction and development. Originality/value -- Services that wish to develop as PIEs will need to ensure that service users are fully engaged and enabled through the process to identify their own needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- This paper seeks to offer a commentary on Psychologically Informed Services: A Good Practice Guide, a recently published operational guidance document on developing psychologically informed environments (PIEs) in services for homeless people. Design/methodology/approach -- The paper is an invited opinion piece and comment, based on the specialist experience and viewpoint of the authors in education on mental health issues in primary care. Findings -- The new operational guidance is welcomed, with some provisos. Psychologically informed environments are needed not just in homelessness resettlement, but in all areas where services are commissioned; and all commissioned services should take particular care to collect suitable data on the outcomes they aim for and intend to achieve. Originality/value -- There is a great opportunity with GP commissioning to commission services that are psychologically informed and holistic, although it may be hard to ensure services remain user-focused and not disjointed if split up for tendering. Public health leadership on the new Health and Wellbeing Boards will be crucial to integrate services so the new system will not make things worse. Given the need, hopefully a similar drive for PIEs everywhere -- the criminal justice system, care homes and community wellbeing -- will follow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- This paper aims to offer a commentary on Psychologically Informed Services: A Good Practice Guide, a recently published operational guidance document on developing psychologically informed environments (PIEs) in services for homeless people. Design/methodology/approach -- The paper is an invited opinion piece and comment based on the specialist experience and viewpoint of the author as lead counsellor in an inner-city homelessness service. Findings -- The new operational guidance is welcomed as it describes the author's experience of working with individuals with complex needs. Nevertheless, the author is concerned that this development should be seen and presented as supporting staff, rather than as indicating their failings. Originality/value -- Fundamental to the successful implementation of PIEs will be the adoption of the concept by management teams, as it may require changes to current service policies and training of staff at all levels in an organisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper aims to throw light on the value of accommodation and support services and the likely consequences of their withdrawal.Design/methodology/approach - Research was completed by a team of researchers from Nottingham Trent and Salford Universities under the Multiple Exclusion Homelessness programme funded by CLG, the Economic and Social Research Council and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.Findings - Agencies whose priorities are influenced by other agendas arising from statutory limitations or government targets have conflicting priorities that sustain multiple exclusion homelessness in a number of key circumstances.Originality/value - Findings from this research will enable policy-makers and practitioners to take better account of service user perspectives, experiences and priorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]