Many services that support people experiencing homelessness adopt an approach to harm reduction, as it ultimately saves lives. Simon Community Scotland are leading the way with their enhanced approach to harm reduction which has been co-designed with people they support and partnership organisations around the world.
Meeting people where they are at
Some people experiencing homelessness are facing huge challenges and find that their substance use helps them to manage a range of physical and mental health issues, and get them through daily life. By recognising this, and implementing a high tolerant approach, we can help people to embark on a journey of trust and openness which can be hugely challenging against a backdrop of stigma and exclusion. Those who struggle with substance use often have complex issues rooted in childhood trauma, abuse, and abandonment.