Project
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Funded by National Institute for Health Research.
Collaboration with NHS Lothian, Scottish Drugs Forum, Streetwork, The Salvation Army, University of Aberdeen and University of Victoria.
For people experiencing homelessness and problem substance use, access to appropriate services can be challenging. There is evidence that the development of trusting relationships with non-judgemental staff can facilitate service engagement. Peer-delivered approaches show particular promise, but the evidence base is still developing. The study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of designing and implementing a peer-delivered, relational intervention to reduce harms and improve health/wellbeing, quality of life and social functioning, for people experiencing homelessness and problem substance use, using mixed methods.
Total award value £375,630.00
Professor, Faculty of Social Sciences
Senior Lecturer, Sociology, Social Policy & Criminology
Senior Lecturer, Sociology, Social Policy & Criminology
Article
Foster R, Carver H, Matheson C, Pauly B, Wallace J, MacLennan G, Budd J & Parkes T (2025) Applying Normalisation Process Theory to a peer-delivered complex health intervention for people experiencing homelessness and problem substance use. Communications Medicine, 5, Art. No.: 13. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43856-024-00721-6
Article
Parkes T, Matheson C, Carver H, Foster R, Budd J, Liddell D, Wallace J, Pauly B, Fotopoulou M, Burley A, Anderson I, Price T, Schofield J & MacLennan G (2022) Assessing the feasibility, acceptability and accessibility of a peer-delivered intervention to reduce harm and improve the well-being of people who experience homelessness with problem substance use: the SHARPS study. Harm Reduction Journal, 19 (1), Art. No.: 10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-021-00582-5
Article
Parkes T, Matheson C, Carver H, Foster R, Budd J, Liddell D, Wallace J, Pauly B, Fotopoulou M, Burley A, Anderson I & MacLennan G (2022) A peer-delivered intervention to reduce harm and improve the well-being of homeless people with problem substance use: the SHARPS feasibility mixed-methods study. Health Technology Assessment, 26 (14), pp. 1-128. https://doi.org/10.3310/wvvl4786
Commentary
Foster R, Carver H, Wallace J, Dunedin A, Burridge S, Foley P, Pauly B & Parkes T (2021) "PPI? That sounds like Payment Protection Insurance": Reflections and learning from a substance use and homelessness study Experts by Experience group. Research Involvement and Engagement, 7 (1), Art. No.: 82. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40900-021-00324-8