New government report links data on rough sleeping and substance misuse treatment in England, revealing key insights into their complex relationship. Key findings from linking 171 records: • Substance misuse often precedes homelessness/rough sleeping for most adults (especially those starting after age 25). • For those who first experienced rough sleeping under 16, homelessness tended to come first. • Long-term homelessness linked to higher rates of injecting drug use. • 26% showed escalation in substance use between survey and entering treatment. Data linking is feasible and highlights opportunities for earlier intervention. Small sample limits generalisability, but paves way for future research. Full report (published 11 Dec 2025): gov.uk/government/publicatio… #Homelessness #RoughSleeping #SubstanceMisuse #DataLinking #BOLDprogramme

Can’t wait for our Sixth Form Open Evening, Wednesday 9th October at 6pm, come along to hear all about the #BOLDprogramme #Tomorrowswomen