PhD Study : Youth homelessness and mental health in Northern Ireland 

Summary

Youth homelessness is an increasing problem in the UK [1] and mental health problems, alcohol and substance misuse and contact with the criminal justice system are highly prevalent among young people who have experience of homelessness. However, this picture is complicated by the uncertain and dual nature of the relationship between mental illness and homeless.

Homelessness in Northern Ireland: While the numbers of young adults in Northern Ireland presenting as homeless have remained steady over the past decade, increasing numbers of young adults are being accepted as homeless, having met the statutory thresholds and been awarded what is termed Full Duty Applicant (FDA) status. In awarding FDA, the Housing Executive (NIHE) has established vulnerability and acknowledges a duty to provide accommodation. Recent NIHE analysis [2] show that 1533 young homeless people, ranging from 18–25 years, presented in the Belfast region since April 2016. Of this group, 873 were awarded Full Duty Applicant status.

While legislation and policy documents do support some young people in securing temporary accommodation [3-7], current welfare reforms, most notably Universal Credit, suggest that the numbers of young adults deemed homeless may rise [1, 8]. Furthermore, due to the “transient nature of homelessness” [9, p. 1232], in addition to a lack of definitional consensus, more accurate numbers of young homeless adults remain elusive, with figures likely to be considerably higher [10]. Evidence on adolescent homelessness, and the factors associated with it, is limited, partly due to the transient or sometimes hidden nature of homelessness, and the often-chaotic life-styles of young people living in temporary accommodation or on the streets.

Additionally, in the UK, we know little about health service access and acceptability among such individuals and how this might be improved. Creating stability in youth accommodation seems to be a major factor in obtaining better health outcomes for this group. Thus, understanding the needs of homeless youth may lead to the development of interventions that could reduce chronic homelessness and psychiatric disorders. This PhD project aims to (a) provide evidence on the mental health needs of young people experiencing homelessness; and (b) identify interventions which best support the needs of this population.

Objectives:

1. To undertake a systematic review in order to examine the international evidence on effective interventions targeted at homeless adolescents to improve the quality of care and reduce poor social and mental health outcomes.

2. To undertake a prospective study of young people who are accepted as homeless by Housing Agencies in Northern Ireland to determine (a) the prevalence of mental dis-orders and (b) factors associated with change in mental health status (e.g. mental state, self-harm, substance misuse) and other poor outcomes such as assault, contact with the criminal justice system and self-harm; (c) to explore contact with primary care and mental health services.

3. To examine the pathways to homelessness, causal attributions, service needs and preferences of homeless adolescents.

4. To make policy and practice recommendations that will facilitate the development effective psychosocial interventions for young homeless people.

Applications from candidates who hold, or expect to achieve by 15 August, an Upper Second Class Honours (2:1) or a First Class Honours Degree in Psychology from a UK institution (or overseas award deemed to be equivalent via UK NARIC) will be prioritised.

Having experience within mental health support role or having an allied professional health background is desirable.

Having the ability to network and liaise with other professionals and service agencies is desirable.

References will be requested for shortlisted candidates.

AccessNI clearance required

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to obtain AccessNI clearance prior to registration due to the nature of the project.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living