13 March 2017
Researchers:
Dr Kim Ross-Houle, Collette Venturas, Andrew Bradbury, Dr Lorna Porcellato
Public Health Institute, Liverpool John Moores University, Henry Cotton Building, 15-21 Webster Street, Liverpool, L3 2ET
Key findings
- Becoming homeless is often the result of several adverse life events occurring in a similar time-frame combined with a lack of available support. Having support networks is important in avoiding and overcoming homelessness.
- Alcohol is often used as a coping mechanism following mental health problems or adverse events. This can lead to both harmful and dependent drinking.
- Death of loved ones and relationship breakdowns are often a factor leading to homelessness and/or high levels of alcohol. This is partly because they cause a further loss of support networks. Improving relationships is a key motivation in reducing alcohol consumption.
- Developing resilience is important in both overcoming homelessness and alcohol dependence, and in preventing future relapse.
- The involvement of research participants, through co-production methods such as PhotoVoice, provides key insights into lived experiences and perceptions.
