A review of the reflective practice (RP) offer in a youth homeless charity in England during COVID-19 as part of a psychologically informed environment(PIE) approach

Purpose

Psychologically informed environments (PIEs) are increasingly being used within the homeless sector to meet the psychological needs of this population, with increasing evidence for their effectiveness. Reflective practice (RP) is one of the “pillars” of the PIE approach. The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact on staff following the delivery of RP in Centrepoint: a national homeless charity for young people (YP) aged 16–25 years, following its introduction and adaptation post COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed method approach was adopted. Data collected on the frequency and uptake of RP across the organisation was analysed, including qualitative analyses of the themes emerging from the RP sessions and a staff survey to explore attendees’ experience of RP. Findings Overall, the majority of staff were satisfied with RP and found it helpful. Qualitative responses from the survey indicated that staff valued having a space to reflect on and speak about their work as well as a place to learn new psychological “tools” or approaches to working with the homeless YP. They also noted the “supportive” function of the sessions, which is particularly important given the stressful impact of the recent COVID-19 pandemic on “frontline” health and social care staff. Dissatisfaction was associated with a lack of access or insufficient frequency of RP sessions, suggesting more resources are required to allow for a greater provision of RP.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is one of the first to explore RP in the homelessness sector, and the first within the COVID-19 pandemic.