About the course

The purpose of the course is to study common problems and issues in providing housing support for alcohol users.   This course particularly focuses on housing related aspects.   This is a basic level course with a practical approach and aims to give confidence and knowledge to workers in their everyday dealings with the issues. Much of the day will be spent working in small groups, undertaking case studies. The course is for residential workers, supported housing officers, workers in floating support schemes and resettlement workers who are involved in housing alcohol users - in addition, this course offers ideas for managers of this staff group.

Course content

• the nature of alcohol misuse and dependence
• the nature of motivational and behavioural change
• the role of intervention
• the role of the housing support worker
• the supported housing support models
• the role of the agency in supporting and facilitating change; rules, roles and responsibilities
• the management of people with alcohol problems in the residential setting
• the difference between abstinence or controlled drinking
• evaluation

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course participants will:

• understand the client's severity of problem and motivational stage of change
• understand the role of the housing support worker
• identify problems in the management of problem drinkers in the residential setting
• be able to set realistic goals for the individual and the agency
• have increased confidence in housing people with alcohol problems

Guy Smith has fifteen years experience in the field of social care. He has worked with a variety of client groups including the under-fives, young people and their families, the elderly and those in mental distress, both in the statutory and voluntary sectors. Within supported housing he has worked on Floating Support Schemes, in Hostels and in projects with hostels, group homes and single tenancies.  Originally a Community Worker he is a qualified Social Worker and counsellor.