We’re introducing a new online training course on 2 October developed in partnership with and funded by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID). The course has been designed to support cross-sector professionals to better meet the needs of people facing homelessness who have co-occurring substance use, mental health and physical health issues. Pre-enrol now and be the first to get access to the training.
People experiencing multiple disadvantage with co-occurring mental health, substance use, neurodiversity and homelessness often face barriers when trying to access the support they need. Similarly, many services struggle to engage effectively with people experiencing multiple disadvantage and may label them ‘hard to engage’ or ‘entrenched’. This training course seeks to look behind these labels to give practitioners the skills, knowledge and expertise they need to effectively engage with and support people experiencing co-occurring conditions.
The comprehensive curriculum will benefit both frontline staff and system leaders across health, social care, the voluntary sector, and the criminal justice system.
The course consists of four modules with 20 bitesize training videos led by experts by profession and experts by experience, teaching you how to:
develop an understanding of the individual, service and system level barriers that exist for people with multiple needs accessing services;
recognise the prevalence of trauma and how to work in a trauma-Informed way;
understand practical and creative approaches to assessment, engagement, and support;
recognise the importance of gender informed service models and peer support
The course also covers the use of legislation such as the Care Act, Safeguarding, the Mental Capacity Act, NICE guidance, Drug Strategy and NHS Long-Term Plan, and what a trauma-informed criminal justice system could look like.
Ultimately you will be better able to help individuals overcome the barriers in the interface between physical health, mental health, and substance use services.
The course will be available from 2 October and launched at on online event taking place on 3 October 2023 between 2.30-3.30. You can sign up here.
Here, you’ll find information about the project’s aims, activities, and tailored resources for substance use and mental health services. Led by Transformation Partners and overseen by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) London Alcohol, Drugs, and Tobacco programme, the project focuses on improving coordination between substance use and mental health services for people experiencing homelessness in London.
Find the programme’s key focus areas below.
Why is this project important?
People experiencing multiple disadvantage with co-occurring mental health, substance use, neurodiversity and homelessness often face barriers when trying to access the support they need. Similarly, many services struggle to engage effectively with people experiencing multiple disadvantage and may label them ‘hard to engage’ or ‘entrenched’.
We aim to look beyond these labels and share the lived experience of individuals as they interact with substance use services. To help show practitioners what can be done to improve a person’s experience.
What are we doing?
The co-occurring conditions project, part of the Homeless Health London Partnership, is embedded within five NHS Integrated Health Boards in London to help improve the experience of health and care services and address the stigma often faced by many when accessing services.
We do this through:
Protocols: Establishing protocols for integrated care between homelessness, mental health, learning disability and substance use services across London
Integration: Improving coordination, communication and joint-working between homelessness, mental health, learning disability and substance use provision across London
Workforce development: Working with ICBs to create workforce development plans
Learning and development: Creating platforms to share good practice & build learning networks
Access: Improving access to substance use treatment for people who are homeless
Treatment: Improving treatment completion rates and access to general healthcare and GP registration
Training and resources
Here you’ll find useful e-learnings and resources targeted at improving experience of and access to services for people with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
