EMCDDA webinar: Responding to drugs and homelessness — Innovative approaches in Europe

Recording of the EMCDDA webinar 'Responding to drugs and homelessness. Innovative approaches in Europe' on 3 February,12.00–13.30 Lisbon time (13.00–14.30 CET). Length: 1.5 hours.

Objective: To explore innovative programmes providing solutions in the field of homelessness and drugs.

Background: The association between long-term homelessness, problem drug use and alcohol dependence is well documented. Evidence suggests that a relatively small, long-term and recurrently homeless population has a high prevalence of mental health problems and substance dependence. In the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic, there is much concern that the health and social wellbeing of members of this population will worsen. Addressing their diverse and complex needs is particularly important and requires targeted, sustained and joined-up interventions. This webinar will involve discussion with front line workers from three European countries — Belgium, Finland and Portugal — who have implemented solutions to address issues linked to homelessness among vulnerable populations, including people who use drugs. They will present the main innovations in this field as well as explore some of the major facilitators and barriers to successful implementation.

Speakers:

  • Cristiana Merendeiro Associação Crescer, Portugal
  • Geert De Bolle, Housing First Belgium-LAB, Belgium
  • Elina Liikanen, Y-Foundation, Finland

Chairpersons: Alessandra Bo, Marica Ferri, EMCDDA

Opening and closing remarks: Alexis Goosdeel, EMCDDA Director

Main subject
Keywords
Target audience
Type

Related assets in the Media library

Screenshot of the Euro-DEN data explorer tool
Data explorer. Acute drug-toxicity presentations to emergency services by year, hospital and reported drug (Euro-DEN plus)
Bubble chart shows how countries have met needle and syringe distribution and opioid agonist treatment coverage goals in relation to WHO 2020 targets. Only a small number of countries have met both goals (Luxembourg, Norway, Czechia and Greece)
Infographic. Needle and syringe distribution and opioid agonist treatment coverage in relation to WHO 2020 targets
chart shows cumulative number of countries implementing different types of opioid agonist treatment by year.
Infographic. Number of European countries implementing opioid agonist treatment, up to 2022
Screenshot of clients in opioid agonist treatment in Europe infographic
Infographic. Clients in opioid agonist treatment
plot shows how countries are meeting WHO target for opioid agonist treatment coverage. The majority of countries in Europe meet the target, with the exception of seven countries, mainly in the East of Europe.
Infographic. Coverage of opioid agonist treatment in 2021 or the most recent year and in the previous estimate
Thumbnail of the recording of the EMCDDA webinar on young people and drug use
EMCDDA Webinar: Young people and drug use — how can we keep them safe?
Top