USERS VIEWS OF A DROP-IN PROJECT FOR THE HOMELESS

Homeless adults attending a drop-in voluntary project were approached to assess their views on the project, pathways into homelessness, phys ical and mental health needs and history of substance misuse. Over a s ix week period, 70 users were interviewed. Of these 54 (77%) were men and the rest women. Twenty five (35%) were living in insecure accommod ation. A significant proportion 61% (43) acknowledged having suffered from emotional or mental health problems in the past and nearly half ( 47%) admitted to having received a psychiatric diagnosis. Nearly one t hird reported past criminal record. The use of substances (drugs and a lcohol) was fairly common. There were no ethnic differences in the fin dings although the numbers from ethnic minorities remain small. This i s not a typical homeless sample but the findings suggest vulnerability of such a group. The group was by and large satisfied with the open a ccess and flexible approach of the project. The findings are discussed in relation to the acceptable services provided by voluntary organisa tions and suggestions made for further studies.