Art Exhibition – Managed Alcohol Programmes During COVID-19 Pandemic

What’s on offer?

The exhibition will showcase the art and provide opportunity for attendees to ask the study team questions about ongoing research into managed alcohol programmes. ‘Managed alcohol programmes: Scoping the potential of a novel intervention to help prevent infection (COVID-19) for people experiencing alcohol dependence and homelessness’ study was conducted during the early COVID-19 pandemic to explore the potential of managed alcohol programmes (MAPs) to prevent infection/reduce spread of COVID-19 for people experiencing homelessness and alcohol dependence in Scotland.

The study involved working with artist Linda McGowan to create a series of paintings portraying the key themes from the study.

What’s it about?

Treatment for alcohol use disorders is limited for those experiencing homelessness, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The goals of abstinence-based programmes can be hard to comply with; therefore, harm reduction approaches are needed, such as safer drinking and harm reduction based housing. Managed alcohol programmes (MAPs) are a harm reduction approach. MAPs provide alcohol in regular, measured doses throughout the day, along with a range of other supports, including healthcare, housing and community activities. MAPs originated in Canada, where several studies have shown improvements in programme participants’ health and wellbeing. Despite this, only one MAP is currently in operation in Scotland.

Who’s leading the event?

Dr Hannah Carver, Senior Lecturer in Substance Use, University of Stirling.

Jessica Greenhalgh, Research Assistant, University of Stirling.

Exhibition was created in partnership with Linda McGowan, Artist, and Stu McGowan, Unexpected Spaces Gallery Manager.

Open to

Everyone is welcome, but will be more suitable to adult audiences.

Of particular interest to

Of particular interest to those in health services, particularly alcohol and drugs services, those in the housing/homelessness field, and those interested in substance use/homelessness research and use of creative methods.