Experts and the homeless collaborate to inform policy in Limerick

A NEW questionnaire designed to capture the experiences of people sleeping rough in Limerick has been rolled out, marking the first time in Ireland that those directly affected by homelessness will shape an official policy response.

The questionnaire was developed by a new Expert Group set up by the Mayor of Limerick, John Moran to tackle homelessness and drug addiction in Limerick in conjunction with UL. It's believed to be the first of its kind to be completed in the country by persons who are affected by street homelessness.

Distribution of the questionnaire has begun in conjunction with Ana Liffey and St Vincent de Paul and it, along with other actions being addressed by the group, will inform its final report.

It's envisaged that this data, being gathered by speaking with those who have lived experiences of homelessness and addiction directly, will enable Limerick City and County Council and other bodies to adopt even more effective, person-centred policies to improve quality of life.

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The new Expert Group which is co-chaired by Cllr Sarah Beasley and Mayor Moran, has been formed to comprise of officials from Limerick Council’s Housing Support Services team, An Garda Síochána, the HSE, approved housing bodies and researchers from UL.

The group has been engaging in stakeholder mapping and data gathering, led by group member Dr Laura Keyes at UL’s Centre for Implementation Research. A series of workshops were held with stakeholders to generate solutions to help inform future policies.

Cllr Sarah Beasley said: “Helping the homeless and the addicted has been a passion of mine for the last 10 years... Together, we are working towards meaningful, lasting change.”