European Research Conference, Budapest, 17th September 2010UNDERSTANDING HOMELESSNESS AND HOUSING EXCLUSION IN THE NEW

EUROPEAN CONTEXT

ENHR

Pathways into and out of homelessness: the case of problem

gambling

Lesley McMahon and Barbara Illsley

European Research Conference, Budapest, 17th September 2010UNDERSTANDING HOMELESSNESS AND HOUSING EXCLUSION IN THE NEW

EUROPEAN CONTEXTENHR

Content

1 Problem gambling2 A hidden issue and a process3 Theoretical perspective4 Data5 Findings: UK6 Findings: Australia 7 Reasons for different representations of the

issue 8 Conclusions

European Research Conference, Budapest, 17th September 2010UNDERSTANDING HOMELESSNESS AND HOUSING EXCLUSION IN THE NEW

EUROPEAN CONTEXTENHR

Gambling continuum Only a small proportion of people who gamble experience problems

with gambling Problem gambling is defined by Brown (2001) to exist when

gambling activity results in a range of adverse consequences where:

The safety and well-being of gambling customers and/or their families and friends are placed at risk; and

Negative impacts extend to the broader community Pathways model of problem gambling (Blaszczynski & Nower, 2002) Insidious nature of problem gambling

Lack of physiological symptoms

Gambling and problem gambling No Gambling

Social Gambling

Problem Gambling

Pathological Gambling

Heavy Gambling

European Research Conference, Budapest, 17th September 2010UNDERSTANDING HOMELESSNESS AND HOUSING EXCLUSION IN THE NEW

EUROPEAN CONTEXTENHR

Impact of Problem Gambling on Families and Relationships (APC, 1999)

European Research Conference, Budapest, 17th September 2010UNDERSTANDING HOMELESSNESS AND HOUSING EXCLUSION IN THE NEW

EUROPEAN CONTEXTENHR

Pathways framework exploring homelessness and support issues - well developed

Limited research into the relationship between problem gambling and homelessness

Emotionally vulnerable

Problem gambling and homelessness: a hidden issue

European Research Conference, Budapest, 17th September 2010UNDERSTANDING HOMELESSNESS AND HOUSING EXCLUSION IN THE NEW

EUROPEAN CONTEXTENHR

Theoretical perspective

Critical inquiry Data as a product are omnipresent and continually

produced due to human agency (Bhaskar, 1998:88) Approach questions the current knowledge by seeking to

understand the “social ontology” of a phenomenon (Martin, 2008:517)

The researcher’s and research participants’ role is to illuminate what data and understandings are false

Need to be conscious of the power relations in society

The duality of structure and agency

6

European Research Conference, Budapest, 17th September 2010UNDERSTANDING HOMELESSNESS AND HOUSING EXCLUSION IN THE NEW

EUROPEAN CONTEXTENHR

Data Objectives

Enquire into the experiences of people who have experienced problem gambling, and the impact of this on their housing status

To identify the support factors Highlight good practice

UK study 11 staff in 9 agencies and 35 individuals

Australian study Interviewed 26 agency staff in 17 organisations and 8

clients Funded by Carnegie Trust

European Research Conference, Budapest, 17th September 2010UNDERSTANDING HOMELESSNESS AND HOUSING EXCLUSION IN THE NEW

EUROPEAN CONTEXTENHR

Key Findings: UK

Agencies Agencies little awareness of problem gambling No training received with respect to problem gambling Lack of resources, and already stretched

People who have experienced problem gambling Shame felt by people who have experienced problem gambling Never mentioned problem gambling when rehoused; although

primary reason for homelessness Never mentioned problem gambling to debt counsellors Concerned about ability to engage with young people who are

experiencing problem gambling Lack of informal support: burned bridges with friends and family

European Research Conference, Budapest, 17th September 2010UNDERSTANDING HOMELESSNESS AND HOUSING EXCLUSION IN THE NEW

EUROPEAN CONTEXTENHR

Key Findings: Australia

Gambling Counselling Agencies Estimated approx 25% clients have experienced homelessness

or a reduction in housing circumstances caused by the problem

gambling (eviction, repossession, relationship breakdown)

Homelessness sector Variation regarding awareness of problem gambling as a

discrete issue Very rarely the presenting issue Not the primary or secondary reason, but it is a growing factor

especially with clients who have complex needs Homelessness academic: “Gambling is not an issue”

European Research Conference, Budapest, 17th September 2010UNDERSTANDING HOMELESSNESS AND HOUSING EXCLUSION IN THE NEW

EUROPEAN CONTEXTENHR

Why the different representations of the problem?

Client

Non-disclosure Stigma Shame Fear of denial of

service

Needs not meet

Worker

Not identifying• Not on radar• Inadequate skills to respond

(perceived or actual)

Problem gambling de-prioritised

HOMELESSNESS & HOUSING SECTOR

European Research Conference, Budapest, 17th September 2010UNDERSTANDING HOMELESSNESS AND HOUSING EXCLUSION IN THE NEW

EUROPEAN CONTEXTENHR

Conclusions

Problem gambling is a pathway into homelessness, but, it is not the primary cause. Over-indebtedness, repossession, domestic abuse, relationship breakdown are more likely to be the primary reason for the homelessness episode

If disclosure occurs, support such as talking therapies and budgeting should be provided to maximise the likelihood of a sustainable positive housing outcome in the future

Housing & homelessness sector Training to raise awareness (GamCare) Develop policies regarding service delivery for people who are

experiencing problem gambling

European Research Conference, Budapest, 17th September 2010UNDERSTANDING HOMELESSNESS AND HOUSING EXCLUSION IN THE NEW

EUROPEAN CONTEXTENHR

Conclusions

Government policies should be proactive with community education programmes (illustrating behavioural strategies, as well as problem recognition)

Should encourage people to talk openly about problem gambling to remove the stigma and shame

Data collection

Gambling industry to a degree acknowledges its role and responsibilities

The GREaT Foundation funds support for PG and community education