Presentation given by Val Keen of Depaul U.K at the 2013 FEANTSA conference, "Investing in young people to prevent a lost generation: policy and practice in addressing youth homelessness" http://feantsa.org/spip.php?article1596&lang=en

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

8. Family / Friends Breakdown
Isolation
Depression and anxiety
Drinking / Drugs
Money pressures /debts
Homelessness
Prison
Sleep pattern problems
Self – harm

9. 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

10. Drinking
& taking
Drugs
Fighting/
Crime
Sleeping
Rough
Dwelling
on the
Past
Isolating
yourself,
avoiding
others
Side affects
of anti-
depressants
Self
Harming
Gaining
weight

11. Key findings: health issues

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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