Working with Alcohol Misuse in Homelessness accommodation

Who are Creative Inclusion Who are Creative Inclusion? A user-led organisation who involve people with lived experience of social issues such homelessness and substance abuse in strategic decisions which affect their communities of identity.

We encourage people to recognise and surface the knowledge they have gained through their lived experience about how services and systems should be reformed. We look at different ways in which people can be rewarded and shown recognition for sharing this insight with us. We invest time and energy into our relationships with PWLE, also offering skills development opportunities and financial payment for work carried out wherever possible.

Why I wanted to write guidance around supporting those using alcohol Why I wanted to write guidance around supporting those using alcohol. As a person in long term recovery myself I know how hard it can be to find support where you are treated like an adult and as individual once you’ve been given the label of alcoholic or addict. Often unfair assumptions are made about people’s level of risk and their levels of ‘responsibility’ and ‘readiness to change’.

Needs and preferences of people using alcohol at hazardous levels A physically and psychologically safe environment Somewhere which will introduce some stability and offer an environment where people feel safe to reduce alcohol use (but wont pressured too)

Needs and preferences of people using alcohol at hazardous levels Empathy and acceptance Structure and routine Access to a positive peer group

Main points of the guidance Authentic, strengths-based ‘human’ relationships Common sense and realism Harm reduction approach whilst maintaining recovery orientation

Main points of the guidance Building networks of support outside the accommodation (need for time out) Structured peer support, ‘organic’ peer-support and creative activities

Importance of involving people with lived experience They are the only people who truly understand the full emotional impact of the way homelessness services are delivered They often give a more authentic account of what happens in day to service delivery (without feeling the same need as staff members to protect/promote their own service)

Creates a powerful narrative/ a strong ‘call to action’ Importance of involving people with lived experience Creates a powerful narrative/ a strong ‘call to action’ Builds self-esteem and structure through recognising the insights and strengths people have

https://drive.google.com/file/d/16eYGY93TMZgBwvYgAzPf9k6vZsuxMyTP/view