Safe housing for a meaningful everyday life

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: establishing a safe and worthy place to live is an important step for people struggling with substance abuse and psychiatric disorders. In this project, we have followed Trondheim Munic ipality in the process of establishing a new housing model that contributes to safety and mastery for people with combined disorders and violent behaviour. Background: providing comprehensive services to people with violent behaviour affected by drug use is challenging. Trondheim Municipality aims to develop a breadth of housing and services for this target group. One of the plans in that context is to establish a home for 6–8 people in close phys ical proximity to the mental health-care department at St. Olav's hospital. Methods: an action research approach is suitable when the goal is to create change and the intention is to create new solutions to current problems (Levin, 2017). Qualitative interviews with professionals in the field, user representatives, workshops, participation in the planning process, and literature studies have been conducted. Results: the need for safety, fixed routines, positive impulses, and the opportunity to influence one's own everyday life are pointed out as crucial for people with a behaviour that either scares or is ex ploited. Several emphasise the importance of activities and food- service to ensure that nutritional status is maintained. Conclusion: Rethinking housing models for the target group is necessary but difficult in practice. There is a need for innovative solutions, designs, and services for individuals that secure employees and neighbours.