Causes, characteristics and potential solutions to homelessness in rural Perth and Kinross: a mixed methods research study

This study aims to understand the current landscape of homelessness in Perth and Kinross.

Relatively little is known about the perspectives and experiences of people facing homelessness or at risk of homelessness in rural areas of Scotland. This limits stakeholders’ ability to inform policy and improve health and social care for marginalised rural groups. 

This study aims to understand the current landscape of homelessness in Perth and Kinross. To do this, it will look at experiences of people living in temporary congregate accommodation and the experiences of people experiencing financial hardship necessitating access to rural services providing practical support to help people address financial hardship. 

Objectives: 

  1. Describe the types of homelessness experienced
  2. Describe the self-reported health status of people experiencing homelessness
  3. Describe needs and aspirations, causes of homelessness and possible solutions, from the perspectives of people experiencing homelessness
  4. Describe experiences of living in different types of temporary accommodation in rural Perth and Kinross
  5. Recommend ways to address identified issues

Methods:  

  • Quantitative data from Perth and Kinross local government websites (Scottish Government); third sector homelessness /charitable agencies operating in Perth and Kinross; and participant characteristics collected during qualitative interviews.
  • Qualitative data from in person interviews.

Results will: 

  • Describe demographics, health, housing, and adverse experiences of people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in rural Perth and Kinross.
  • Explore the needs, past experiences, support, perspectives of what needs to be done to improve the current situation, and hopes for the future, of people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in rural Perth and Kinross.
  • Make recommendations for action by Perth and Kinross Homelessness services (Local Authority, Third sector, health and social care).

Funded by: Churches Action for The Homeless (CATH)

In partnership with: Groundswell/SCPHRP, Simon Community Scotland, Glasgow Caledonian University, Compassion Initiative (University of Edinburgh), Health Determinants Research Collaboration, and Leicestershire County Council. 

Dr Richard Lowrie (PI)

Dr Sarah McNeill 

Jane Moir 

Dr Stephen Malden 

Dr Sarah Rhynas 

Dr Andrew McPherson 

Professor John Gilles 

Tracy Orr 

Hugh Hill 

Dr Natalia Farmer