Exploring homelessness

Teacher notes

This lesson can be used in KS3/4 and would be a good way in to opening up dialogue and debate amongst students on this serious issue affecting many people - often hidden. You could use the rich media article with KS2 learners without accessing the PG film or adapt the lesson to support KS2 PSHE themes such as: H46, H47, H48, H49, H50 if parental permission gained to watch the film. This lesson introduces Jay, a midwife working out of a mobile unit on the streets of Toronto, Canada where she works with vulnerable women facing homelessness and often mental health challenges and addiction. **Please be aware of, and sensitive to, any students who may have lived experience of homelessness, mental health issues or substance abuse.** **Lyfta Core themes:** Community and Citizenship, Equality and Human Rights, Health and Wellbeing, Professions and Entrepreneurship, Relationships. **SDGs:** 1,3,5,10,11, 16. **National Curriculum Objectives:** KS3 PSHE H23. the positive and negative uses of drugs in society including the safe use of prescribed and over the counter medicines H24. to evaluate myths, misconceptions, social norms and cultural values relating to drug, alcohol and tobacco use H26. information about alcohol, nicotine and other legal and illegal substances, including the short-term and long-term risks associated with their use H27. the personal and social risks and consequences of substance use and misuse including occasional use H29. about the concepts of dependence and addiction including awareness of help to overcome addictions. KS4 PSHE H5. the characteristics of mental and emotional health; to develop empathy and understanding about how daily actions can affect people’s mental health  H6. about change and its impact on mental health and wellbeing and to recognise the need for emotional support during life changes and/or difficult experiences  H19. the consequences of substance use and misuse for the mental and physical health and wellbeing of individuals and their families, and the wider consequences for communities H20. wider risks of illegal substance use for individuals, including for personal safety, career, relationships and future lifestyle H21. to identify, manage and seek help for unhealthy behaviours, habits and addictions including smoking cessation.