The latest in our series of monthly online masterclasses for teams within our Pathway Partnership Programme will focus on the topic of Autism and Homelessness.
This masterclass will provide information on the links between autism and homelessness and how to adapt support. It will cover the evidence base for why autism is a probable risk factor for homelessness. It will also provide information about the autism and homelessness toolkit, which includes guidance on how to recognise autism and design and adapt support for people experiencing homelessness. The session will be led by Dr Alasdair Churchard and Tara Chapple.
Dr Alasdair Churchard is a Research Tutor and Clinical Psychologist at the Oxford Institute of Clinical Psychology Training and Research. He carried out the first published research into links between autism and homelessness, showing that autistic people may be over-represented among the homeless population. Since publishing that research he has led on the development of the Autism & Homelessness Toolkit, a guidance document about autism for workers in the homelessness field which was created in collaboration with organisations such as the National Autistic Society and St Mungo’s. In his work as a research tutor, he has supervised and supported over 10 empirical studies and service improvement projects focused on homelessness. Clinically he also works in an older people’s service in Buckinghamshire.
Tara Chapple is an autistic woman with lived experience of sofa surfing who has spent the last five years working as a Business Development Manager in the VCSE homelessness sector.
Find out more about joining our Pathway Partnership Programme.