Due to the rise of homelessness and drug related deaths in the UK, the Centre for Addictive Behaviours Research at London South Bank University and the London Drug and Alcohol Policy Forumare hosting a one day conference at the Guildhall focusing on contemporary issues of homelessness, substance use and addiction. The aim of the day is to highlight current research, and to create discussion around how, moving forward, research could shape policy for the benefit of those living on the streets.

Provisional programme

• Registration and refreshments
• Welcome
• Homelessness, the challenge for researchers – Dr Sharon Cox, London South Bank University
• Keynote Address: Professor Alex Stevens, University of Kent
• Homelessness and tobacco use, opportunities for harm reduction – Dr Lynne Dawkins, London South Bank University
• Street Drinking – Dr Allan Tyler and Professor Tony Moss, London South Bank University
• Hospital discharge, substance misuse and homelessness – Darren O’Shea, Jo Coombes and Dr Michelle Cornes, Kings College London
• Panel Q&A
• Lunch
• Nothing left to lose: Case studies of homelessness and gambling – Dr Steve Sharman, Society for the Study of Addiction
• Homelessness and Dual Diagnosis – Dr Hannah Carver, Stirling University
• Research – the challenge for the homelessness sector – Lucy Holmes, St. Mungo’s
• Panel Q&A
• Final Thoughts – Dr Sharon Cox and David MacKintosh

This conference represents the first in a planned series of knowledge dissemination events co-convened by the Centre for Addictive Behaviours Research (London South Bank University) and the London Drug and Alcohol Policy Forum (City of London Corporation).