Investing in young people to prevent a lost generation in Europe:

key policy and practice in addressing youth homelessness

8th November 2013, Prague, Czech Republic

Depaul UK

Our mission: to offer homeless and

disadvantaged people the opportunity to

fulfill their potential and move towards an

independent and positive future

we have helped over 50,000 people since

1989

each year we work with more than 5,000

young people (aged 16 – 25)

Investing in young people to prevent a lost generation in Europe:

key policy and practice in addressing youth homelessness

8th November 2013, Prague, Czech Republic

Investing in young people to prevent a lost generation in Europe:

key policy and practice in addressing youth homelessness

8th November 2013, Prague, Czech Republic

We prevent young people becoming homeless through family mediation and supporting the resettlement of young offenders

We protect young people by finding them a place to call home.

We provide young people with the chance to fulfill their potential through education, volunteering and training.

Why young homeless

people and health?

“To be honest, I ain’t got time to worry about my health, have I? No

money, no roof over my head, no job, no girlfriend”.

Homelessness and health hugely intertwined

Family breakdown biggest cause of youth homelessness, often

leaving young people isolated without family support

Childhood disadvantage, disruption or trauma not only increase risk

of homelessness but also of health problems

Being homeless compounds pre-existing issues and has significant

health impacts

Health often a low priority for young people whose focus is getting a

roof over their heads and stability in their lives

Our partnership with AstraZeneca:

Part of AZ’s global Young Health Programme to connect

disadvantaged young people to health and wellbeing

In UK, aim is to make a meaningful difference to the

health of young people who are homeless

Partnership is combining our expertise and resources to

make a real impact

First step was to fully understand the health issues and

barriers, and what would really make a difference

.

Background to health

research

Methodology

Between May and Oct 2011, more than 1150 people

participated in a wide-ranging comparative review

Quantitative research:

health questionnaire completed by over 300 young

people, including a control group

Qualitative research:

focus groups and interviews with staff and young people

peer led research

expert steering group

ethnographic research – 4 films made

Online survey of 750+ GPs

Family / Friends

Breakdown

Isolation Depression and anxiety

Drinking / Drugs

Money pressures /debts

Homelessness

Prison Sleep pattern problems

Self – harm

Having a pet entertains me

My child helps motivate me

Socialising with friends and family

Exercise and eating well

Talking to professionals e.g. support worker

Group Work and volunteering

Drinking

& taking

Drugs

Fighting/

Crime

Sleeping

Rough

Dwelling

on the

Past

Isolating

yourself,

avoiding

others

Side affects

of anti-

depressants

Self

Harming

Gaining

weight

Key findings: health issues

Key findings: barriers to care

Institutional

Long waiting times

Transition from paediatric to adult services

Them and us mentality of some GPs

GPs - finding it difficult to treat young homeless

Emotional:

Lack of confidence, motivation and purpose

Retelling stories to different professionals

Skills / practical

Chaotic lifestyles and family backgrounds

Communication skills

Lack of money to attend appointments

Frontline health staff knowledge & confidence

Recommendations

from peer researchers:

www.depauluk.org

Integrate services to prevent young people having to

repeat their stories when accessing multiple services

Raise awareness on issues of homelessness in schools

and for front line workers such as healthcare and

council staff

Ensure sustainable funding for voluntary sector

organisations that support young people

Support and provide family mediation services to

prevent youth homelessness

Cut down on waiting times for counseling and support

Depaul UK Response:

Psychologically Informed Environments

1. Psychological Framework • Developing young people’s capacity to be

more aware of, and able to make choices about, their thinking and behaviours

2. Staff training and support • promote confidence in their ability to

facilitate change

• promote positive regard for clients

• minimise burnout

3. Managing Relationships • Key to facilitating change

4. Environment and Social Spaces • Valuing young people

5. Service evaluation • Each young person

• Service as a whole

Thank you

Investing in young people to prevent a lost generation in Europe:

key policy and practice in addressing youth homelessness

8th November 2013, Prague, Czech Republic

For more information:

Full report / summary at: http://www.depauluk.org/newsandresources/research-and-publications/

‘Putting it into Practice: help & guidance for commissioners, Health and Wellbeing Boards and providers at:

http://www.depauluk.org/_uploads/documents/research-publications-and-reports/putting-it-into-practice-final.pdf

Ethnographic videos: http://www.depauluk.org/newsandresources/stories/videos/

Good practice on Psychologically Informed Environments: http://www.southampton.ac.uk/assets/imported/transforms/peripheral-block/UsefulDownloads_Download/A6FD3BB1EB2A449987C12DFF91EF3F73/Good%20practice%20guide%20-%20%20Psychologically%20informed%20services%20for%20homeless%20people%20.pdf