Mapping the organisational network of support for people experiencing homelessness in rural coastal areas of North East England: Results from a mixed-methods multi-sector social network analysis

The integration of physical and mental health, housing, social care, police, voluntary, and community services, alongside trauma-informed care, is vital for supporting people experiencing homelessness. This study examined organisational networks in rural and coastal regions of North East England, mapping and analysing these networks to identify provision, gaps, and opportunities for integration, and trauma-informed care. A mixed-methods study was conducted in rural and coastal areas of North East England, using purposive and snowball sampling for recruitment. Surveys collected data on inter-organisational collaborations, referrals, and service provision. Semi-structured interviews explored service provision for people experiencing homelessness, gaps in service provision, and trauma-informed care practices. Social network analysis was used to map and characterise organisational networks, measuring network density, distribution of degree and betweenness centrality. Thematic analysis was applied to interview data. Twenty-six participants from 24 services supporting homeless individuals were recruited. An additional 36 services were nominated as network participants, forming a network of 60 services. The network encompassed various service providers, with the most prevalent being Advice and Support services (n = 26), followed by Housing (n = 13) and Local Authority (n = 11). However, the network exhibited limited connections and collaborations (density = 0.029, average ties per service = 10.03). Three key themes emerged from the interviews: need for trauma-informed training and awareness, the impact of trauma on homelessness, and need for coordination and support. There is a need for strengthened connections and collaborations between services in rural and coastal areas to address the complex needs of people experiencing homelessness. Key players emerged across service types, with advice and support, emergency care, and criminal justice services as important intermediaries. Moreover, the implementation of trauma-informed approaches is limited. The findings highlight the importance of multi-agency collaboration in addressing the health, including mental health, needs of people experiencing homelessness.