Student-led review projects in vulnerable people support settings: Opportunities and challenges

Chase, Mike; Stirling, Christopher

Abstract

Facilitating positive change in the lives of homeless people with complex vulnerabilities (e.g., those affected by mental distress, substance misuse and trauma) relies largely on skilled multidisciplinary practitioners working effectively and flexibly together (Jego et al. 2018). However, cultural, ethical and attitudinal inter-agency differences that emerge when support agencies join together mean ‘authentic’ integrated practice is difficult to achieve (Chase et al., 2021). In Cardiff, Wales, a growing street-homelessness population, combined with political and financial incentives and local expertise, has led to an innovative Multidisciplinary Team Housing Programme (MDT- HP) that aims to dismantle traditional interdisciplinary barriers. To understand and evidence if/how this is the case, MC is overseeing a comprehensive student-led participatory mixed methods review. The review is grounded in four UWE BSc (Psychology) and one MSc dissertation (Applied Clinical Psychology, University of Bath) projects over two cohorts (i.e., Oct 2021- July 2023). It incorporates lived experience narratives from homeless people with complex needs (n≈12), practice experiences and perspectives of MDT practitioners (n≈12), a quantitative/ qualitative professional wellbeing survey of support practitioners across the city (n≈80), and shadowing and participatory observations of MDT and hostel practice. Following an introduction to the challenges of contemporary homelessness and how the MDT- HP is responding through structural innovations, CS and MC will share preliminary analysis of emerging findings from the review. We will finish with encouraging a broader discussion of the value, opportunities and challenges in extending similar student-led participatory approaches to other regional areas and vulnerable people sectors.

School of Social Sciences Research Event

22 June 2023 (09:30 – 16:30), Shaftesbury Park (Dings Rugby Club)

Panel Discussion: Research working with partners in the local and regional area.

Title: Drawing on participatory student-led review projects to understand and evidence experience and practice in complex vulnerable people support settings: Benefits, opportunities, and challenges for regional and local partnerships.

Speakers: Mike Chase (MC, Psychological Sciences Research Group, School of Social Sciences) & Chris Stirling (CS, current 3rd year BSc Psychology & Criminology Student, and CHSS Research-Informed Teaching Summer Intern)

• Presentation Conference Type: Other
• Conference Name: School of Social Sciences Research Launch Conference
• Start Date: Jun 22, 2023
• Deposit Date: Jan 27, 2025
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/13649148
• Additional Information: Panel event (co-presentation) at UWE’s School of Social Sciences Research Launch Conference; Chair: Prof. Kieran McCartan