New resources for people experiencing homelessness

A painting by lived experience expert, Richard Turipa, created as part of the Te Whakahekenga project

Exciting news! We have just received an Auckland Medical Research Foundation to continue our work with Te Tāpui Atawhai/Auckland City Mission. The aim of our new study is to develop a resource to support Advance Care Planning in partnership with people with lived experience of homelessness. Our participatory approach will use creative art methods and involve key service providers, including colleagues from Mercy and North Shore hospices.

This research is important because rates of homelessness are high and increasing. In Aotearoa New Zealand, nearly one in ten people are currently experiencing homelessness, with Māori and Pacific people’s rates of homelessness four to six times higher respectively than those of Pākeha.

People experiencing homelessness have much worse health outcomes than the housed population. They experience a high prevalence of chronic, often untreated physical and mental health conditions. Deaths from suicide, violence and overdose are also common. As a result, the life expectancy of homeless people is 20-30 years shorter than in the housed population. People also typically die alone, in public spaces or in private vehicles. Our recent Te Whakahekenga project confirms that these factors contribute to a high level of complex and unmet palliative care need amongst the homeless population.

We will develop a new process to support future care and legacy planning which will address the end-of-life priorities of street whānau. We will also develop resources to support Te Tāpui Atawhai/Auckland City Mission staff with the skills, knowledge and confidence required to have conversations about death, dying and future planning. The project will begin in March next year and run for 18 months.