Essex Recovery Foundation Housing Training Needs Assessment 2025
Task
The Essex Recovery Foundation commissioned TONIC to undertake a housing training needs assessment in preparation for the development of a joint training programme, to be delivered in partnership with a third sector organisation and a statutory body. The needs assessment aimed to address the following research questions:
What is the current level of understanding among staff in the drug and alcohol treatment sector regarding housing systems and available pathways of support?
How do staff in the drug and alcohol treatment sector currently acquire this knowledge and understanding?
What training gaps exist among drug and alcohol treatment providers?
What training would be considered valuable by drug and alcohol treatment staff in the future?
What training and resources would enable drug and alcohol treatment staff to better support service users in navigating the housing system?
What examples of best practice exist that foster effective relationship building between housing and drug and alcohol treatment providers?
The core participant group for the research was professionals working within drug and alcohol treatment services, as well as housing providers. The analysis sought to explore the extent to which each sector understands the needs and support mechanisms of the other. The overarching research question was: What are the current pathways for service users in Essex experiencing both housing difficulties and addiction?
Our Approach
TONIC designed and distributed an online survey, targeting professionals across both the housing and drug and alcohol treatment sectors. A total of 45 participants from the housing sector and 68 from drug and alcohol treatment services participated in the survey. This collected qualitative data through open-text responses and categorical data via multiple-choice questions, which were then analysed through quantitative tallies. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 key stakeholders, alongside engagement with senior stakeholders through various meetings. The Essex Recovery Foundation also facilitated a visit to the Housing, Opportunities, Support, Tenancy and Solutions (HOSTS) team, and a focus group was held during the Workforce Development Group Workshop. Qualitative data was analysed thematically.
Outcome
Drug and alcohol treatment providers reported that their client base frequently experiences co-occurring issues related to both substance use and housing instability. While many professionals described a reasonable level of understanding around housing support pathways and legislation, they also expressed a lack of confidence in directly assisting clients with housing-related issues, highlighting a clear need for further training.
Similarly, respondents from the housing sector acknowledged the regular co-occurrence of housing and substance misuse issues. Although housing professionals were more likely to have received training related to drug and alcohol use, many still reported gaps in their knowledge.
Findings from interviews and focus groups further highlighted the complexity of housing legislation and the challenges in training drug and alcohol service provider staff to navigate a system that varies significantly across the county. This inconsistency suggested that a one-size-fits-all training package would be insufficient.
The insights gathered from this assessment informed a successful funding bid, enabling the Essex Recovery Foundation to collaborate on the development and delivery of targeted training for both sectors. The ultimate goal was to improve outcomes for individuals in Essex who face challenges related to both housing and substance use.