King's College London

A new study housed in the Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care will look at the combined needs of those experiencing homelessness in temporary accommodations (e.g. hostels). Residents of temporary accommodations are some of the most clinically and socially vulnerable people in society, and yet there is no national guidance that informs care delivery in this setting.

The REACH-Trial intervention, funded by the National Institute of Health and Care Research will involve a dedicated team comprising of a mental health practitioner and a care navigator, both offering intensive support to temporary accommodation residents with multiple complex needs. The team will offer focused support to residents for up to 12 months to diagnose, treat and refer people to improve their physical and mental health, as well as provide practical skills for recovery and employment.

The project is co-led by Professors Vibhu Paudyal and Alan Simpson. It will prioritise methods that are trauma-informed and strengths-based, which means being both aware of the impact of past trauma when offering care and recognising and building on people’s own personal strengths and interests.

Professor Vibhu Paudyal says, "REACH was co-designed with residents of temporary accommodations who described their struggles in navigating the system and receiving timely help to address their complex needs. The care team will work with residents to reduce crisis presentations, deaths, substance overdose and criminal justice encounters, while also increasing opportunities related to health, housing, wellbeing and practical skills for employment. Our study will aim to fulfil knowledge gaps identified by the NICE Clinical Guideline including -what impact do longer contacts supported by low caseload working and long term support can achieve for people experiencing homelessness."

Professor Alan Simpson says, "the health and social care needs of people who are homeless and living in temporary accommodation are some of the most severe and challenging. This important study will help build skills, knowledge and confidence amongst the healthcare workforce and in organisations working alongside people experiencing homelessness to better engage with and address the health and care needs of this population and start to reduce the stark health inequalities experienced by those living in temporary accommodation. We hope to bring positive impact on people’s lives."

This study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and Social Care delivery Research Programme (NIHR award ref: 174677). The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care.