Transitioning from homelessness: the role of occupation

Summary of the workshop:
Homelessness is a complex social phenomenon. By its nature it restricts and controls the opportunities a person may have for acquiring, using or enjoying occupations (Wilcock, 2006). The majority of homeless people experience multiple exclusion homelessness; that is, the experience of not having a home combined and exacerbated by the challenges of mental or physical health needs, substance misuse or forensic histories. Despite a growing body of literature supporting the role of occupational therapy with people experiencing homelessness, there is a lack of research on how occupational therapy can support a person’s transition from homelessness to sustaining a tenancy in stable housing (Marshall and Rosenberg, 2014). This workshop will discuss the experience of people who are moving from homelessness into their own accommodation and explore the role of occupation in this transition. A case study from an ongoing PhD study will be used to illustrate this.Learning objectives•Participants will have a greater understanding of homelessness and the role of occupation for people who have experienced homelessness.•Participants will explore and debate how occupation can help people sustain tenancies away from homelessness. The workshop will use a mixture of delivery methods including individual reflection and interactive group work. Maximum number of participants:16.Brief description of intended participants:This workshop would be suitable for people who have an interest, or experience, in working with people who are homeless or face social inequality. ReferencesWilcock, A. (2006) An Occupational Perspective of Health. Thorofare: Slack Inc.Marshall, C. A. & Rosenberg, M.W. (2014) ‘Occupation and the process of transition from homelessness’, Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 81, pp. 330-8. Financial support by the Cathie Mounter Legacy, Plymouth University is gratefully acknowledged.