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The role of macro‐level processes in determining the effectiveness or otherwise of micro‐level initiatives is a theme that is developed in this paper. Based on efforts to tackle division between Protestants and Catholics in Northern Ireland through cross‐community contact, the paper will argue that the structural context within which contact occurs has important implications for the extent to which achievements of particular encounters are extrapolated to the wider community.

Religious education (RE) in Northern Ireland (NI) is taught according to the Core Syllabus produced by representatives of the region’s four main Christian churches and, at primary level, is exclusively Christian in content. In this chapter, the authors apply the lens of epistemic injustice to examine the implications of this given an increasingly diverse society and pupil population. Drawing on a recent study of educational experiences among minority ethnic and migrant groups, the authors suggest that the primary RE curriculum may perpetuate epistemic injustice in three ways: (1) by impeding children from minority faith traditions from sharing their experiences in a way meaningful to their peers; (2) by reducing the resources available to children to make sense of encounters with other religious traditions; and (3) through a lack of appropriate alternative arrangements for pupils whose parents withdraw their children from RE. The authors conclude with recommendations to increase epistemic justice within the primary RE curriculum.

The approach of Government to resolving the Northern Ireland conflict has been twin-track. At the macro political level the focus has been on finding a settlement to the constitutional imbroglio. At the micro level efforts have concentrated on improving relations between the Protestant and Catholic communities. Since the mid-1980s community relations has been a policy priority with the promotion of cross-community contact high on the agenda. Despite considerable political progress, however, there is evidence to suggest that contact initiatives may have limited success and that Northern Ireland remains a deeply segregated and polarised society. In acknowledgement of this, community relations practice has shifted in emphasis towards work at an intra-community level where the aim is to build confidence and mutual understanding within what practitioners have termed “single identity” communities. This paper considers the contribution of intra-community work to improving community relations in Northern Ireland. On the basis of empirical evidence, including four case studies, it argues that whilst the approach has much to commend it, “single identity” work may also have the potential to exacerbate hostility and conflict by creating “educated bigots.”

This paper – the final paper of a series of three – aims to discuss the implications of the findings from a service user needs assessment of people experiencing homelessness in the Northwest of England. It will expand on the previous paper by offering a more detailed analysis and discussion of the identified key themes and issues. The service user needs assessment was completed as part of a review of local service provision in the Northwest of England against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Semi-structured questionnaires were administered and used by health-care professionals to collect data from individuals accessing the Homeless and Vulnerable Adults Service (HVAS) in Bolton. The questionnaires included a section exploring Adverse Childhood Experiences. Data from 100 completed questionnaires were analysed to better understand the needs of those accessing the HVAS.

Multiple deprivations including extensive health and social care needs were identified within the cohort. Meeting these complex needs was challenging for both service users and service providers. This paper will explore key themes identified by the needs assessment and draw upon further comments from those who participated in the data-gathering process. The paper discusses the practicalities of responding to the complex needs of those with lived experience of homelessness. It highlights how a coordinated partnership approach, using an integrated service delivery model can be both cost-effective and responsive to the needs of those often on the margins of our society.

Data collection during the COVID-19 pandemic presented a number of challenges. The collection period had to be extended whilst patient care was prioritised. Quantitative methods were used, however, this limited the opportunity for service user involvement and feedback. Future research could use qualitative methods to address this balance and use a more inclusive approach.

This study illustrates that the needs of the homeless population are broad and varied. Although the population themselves have developed different responses to their situations, their needs can only be fully met by a co-ordinated, multi-agency, partnership response. An integrated service model can help identify, understand, and meet the needs of the whole population and individuals within it to improve healthcare for a vulnerable population.

This study highlighted new and important findings around the resilience of the homeless population and the significance of building protective factors to help combat the multiplicity of social isolation with both physical and mental health problems.

The discussion provides an opportunity to reflect on established views in relation to the nature and scope of homelessness. The paper describes a contemporary approach to tackling current issues faced by those experiencing homelessness in the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recommendations for service improvements will include highlighting established good practices including embedding a more inclusive/participatory approach.

The purpose of this paper – the second of three – is to report the findings from a service user needs assessment in those who have contact with a local homelessness service in the North-West of England.

Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire that included a section exploring Adverse Childhood Experiences. Aggregated data from a total of 100 completed questionnaires were analysed to understand the nature and scope of those accessing the Homelessness and Vulnerable Adults Service (HVAS).

Homeless people accessing HVAS face a number of challenges, which reflect their upbringing and chaotic and complex lifestyles. Reports of multiple disadvantage, social isolation, physical and mental health problems were common among the cohort.

This was a small cohort study, and the authors accept that this may potentially limit the scope of the findings. Themes identified are, however, reflected in wider research and official data collection sources. Future research may seek to widen the data collection methods to offer a more representative cohort.

The provision of co-ordinated multi-agency support is essential to tackle health inequalities experienced by those who are homeless.

The complex issues often experienced by those who are homeless can further compound the impact of social exclusion on health and well-being. The reduction of statutory support and increased emphasis on self-reliance can further impact those people on the margins of society.

This study identifies how multiple deprivations and social isolation impacts upon health and well-being, further compounding a person’s ability and willingness to engage with services. It raises the question of the systems failure to respond effectively.