BREAKING THE CYCLE OF HOMELESSNESS Research Snapshot Social

BREAKING THE CYCLE OF HOMELESSNESS Research Snapshot: Social Connectedness and Wellbeing Researchers from the University of Queensland partnered with The Salvation Army (TSA) to examine social belonging, connectedness, and wellbeing in TSA homeless accommodation, among both service users and service staff. Two studies were conducted with residents of TSA homeless services – one in SE Queensland another in services in QLD, NSW and Victoria. The research team at UQ surveyed participants about their experiences at the service, and followed up with them periodically after leaving the service over the following 12 months. CLIENT PERSPECTIVES AND OUTCOMES What percentage of people reported improvements after being in the TSA homeless service? People who felt a sense of belonging had greater uptake of services and felt more supported Based on reports taken at 3 months 61% reported improved mental health [46% at 6 months] 49% reported improved physical health [37% at 6 months] 82% reported improved life in general The ‘HOMELESS’ label: What happens when you call yourself homeless? Participants who accepted the homeless label (54%) reported lower mood and resilience, reduced well-being, and higher levels of perceived discrimination than people who rejected the label. [62% at 6 months] 57% were in stable or transitional housing [49% at 6 months] Improvements were predicted by social support and feeling a sense of belonging while at the service People who rejected the homeless label reported better relationships with caseworkers and identified more with staff. UNLOCKING IMPROVEMENTS: CREATING A FEELING OF BELONGING 74% of people reported positive general experiences at the TSA service. People who had positive general experiences at the service perceived more opportunities and felt a stronger sense of belonging at the service. Negative experiences resulted in people perceiving less opportunities and a lowered sense of belonging.

BREAKING THE CYCLE OF HOMELESSNESS SERVICE WORKERS PERSPECTIVES AND OUTCOMES One study was conducted with frontline service workers of TSA homeless services in SE Queensland across Australia. We surveyed participants about their experiences and perceptions. Workers who felt (a) more identified with the service and TSA, and (b) and more supported in their jobs, reported positive wellbeing outcomes: lower burnout and higher job satisfaction. STUDY 1 AND 2 : CLIENTS Number of Participants: Study 1: 119 Study 2: 301 Gender: Study 1: 47% males Study 2: 66% males Parental Status: Study 1: 69% have children Study 2: 57% have children Highest level of education: job satisfaction Study 1: 53% up to Yr 10 Study 2: 37% up to Yr 10 Support Workplace Identification Managers Colleagues Services burnout Main Income Source: Study 1: 81% solely welfare Study 2: 83% solely welfare History of homelessness: Study 1: 36% chronically homeless Study 3: Service Workers RESEARCH IMPLICATIONS Wellbeing for Clients increases when we: • Foster a sense of belonging and connectedness • Enable people to join positive meaningful groups within the service and community • Recognise people as people, not as a “homeless person” • Focus on the person as an individual and how they see themselves • Foster positive experiences at the service in general and recognise the importance of caseworker relationships Wellbeing for Staff increases when we: • Provide a supportive organisational climate for workers • Cultivate belonging and meaning for workers Number of Participants: 60 Gender: 70% females Length in homeless sector: 47% less than 3 years Want to know more? email: Prof. Jolanda Jetten j. jetten@psy. uq. edu. au or Ms. Zoe Walters z. walters@uq. edu. au