Working with the Homeless

Course Code: 3VOL0320
University Level: Three (20 Credits)
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Level 1 and 2
Delivery Method: Distance learning, paper and/or online
Start Date: 15 March 2010 (existing students only)
Course Duration: 1 Term
Course Fees: 20 credits - see the finance page for more information.
Further Study: Optional part of the Degree in Voluntary Sector Studies

Course Description:

This course starts by giving an historical perspective on homelessness, exploring the changing concepts and definitions of homelessness over time and the related provision for homeless people from the sixteenth to the nineteenth century.

The course continues with a look at related and changing legislation during the twentieth century, such as the Mental Health Act and during the 1960s the emergence of a new wave of voluntary organisations inspired, in part, by the film 'Cathy Come Home'. Like the boom of the Victorian period, so too, that of the 1980/90s saw a big increase in the numbers of young people sleeping rough.

Following on from this detailed historical perspective the course goes on to explore the issues of homelessness in the twenty-first century and how provision has diversified, with, amongst others, issues of asylum seekers coming to the fore.

The course ends by examining the complex causes of homelessness, focussing on both structural and individual factors, and the problems and consequences of homelessness for particular groups of people. This is followed by a case-study based examination of good practice looking at how homeless people can be empowered to move out of homelessness and the support they may require. Again sensitivity to diversity between different groups of people in society, who may experience homelessness is highlighted.

New to study?
Consider our introductory course, The Certificate in Interpersonal Skills for Volunteers