Exploring access to mental health support for homeless adults with co-occurring substance use and mental health needs: a social work perspective

Purpose This study aims to use a social work lens to investigate what mental health support looks like for adults who are homeless and have co-occurring substance use and mental health needs. It compares the support needs of this group to the mental health support they are able to access, providing recommendations for improvement. Design/methodology/approach This study analyses 12 Safeguarding Adult Reviews to identify learning from practice in this area. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the material and identify themes in accessing mental health support for this group. The knowledge base for homeless adults with co-occurring needs (such as multiple exclusion) informed the analysis. Findings This research found widespread challenges and barriers for this group in receiving the mental health support they urgently required. Analysis found the following areas significant: emergency pathways to mental health care; single-service provision and services working in silos; fragmented support and engagement; and safeguarding gaps in mental capacity and self-neglect. Originality/value This is an important area of research due to the multiple unmet high support needs and poor outcomes for this group of adults. This research is unique in its social work perspective and evaluation of the issues, both for services attempting to provide support and those trying to access it. It seeks to promote the wellbeing and support of this group as a social work concern.