Drug Interventions Programme

Back to Housing and homelessness

Improving Practice in Housing for Drug Users national working seminar - Bristol, 25 July 2008

The seminar shared practice and findings from 13 case studies. The studies offer examples of how service users, providers and partnerships in housing, drugs and mental health, have worked together to find housing and related support solutions for drug users across all types of housing.

The housing and health needs of people with serious substance misuse issues raise significant challenges. Housing circumstances and homelessness in this group are often compounded by other complex needs, such as mental health and/or a history of being in and out of prison.

Many housing providers already offer services to drug users within their accommodation and appreciate the additional challenges are likely to extend to a range of complex needs beyond the scope of bricks and mortar solutions. Responsive and planned management of these needs can enhance tenancy sustainment, prevent homelessness, bring about significant health improvements and increase prospects for longer term and positive outcomes for the individual, service providers and the community.

If you attended the seminar and would like to provide us with you thoughts, please use the feedback form and email it to the AfterCare team.