Introduction to harm reduction in homelessness settings training

Working in homelessness and housing means supporting people with unmet needs — and that can include substance use.

We are pleased to be joined by The Queensland Injectors Health Network (QuIHN) which is a statewide, not for profit, and non-government health service which provides a variety of health services to people using illicit drugs throughout Queensland. This online panel will introduce the core ideas of harm reduction and how they apply to everyday work in homelessness and housing.

Our speakers will break down the basics in a practical, down-to-earth way.

Together, we’ll explore:

• The basics of common drugs and how they affect behaviour and decision-making

• What harm reduction really means and its key principles

• How to apply harm reduction in housing and homelessness services

• Understanding the stages of change and how people move toward recovery

• What to do when someone doesn’t want to stop using

• How to balance personal values with evidence-based, person-centred practice

This is a chance to learn from people who do this work every day and to build confidence in responding safely, respectfully, and effectively when substance use is part of the picture.

Date: Tuesday 10th February 2026

Time: 10:00am - 11:30am

Delivery: Online via Zoom

Tickets: FREE

Accessibility and inclusion are very important to us. Please let us know what you need to participate in this event through the registration process.

Who should attend:

Frontline workers, case managers, and team leaders in homelessness, housing, and community services. No prior AOD knowledge required. This will be an introduction session and QuIHN will be conducting further training sessions to the homelessness and housing sector in 2026 in collaboration with Q Shelter.

Please contact the Q Shelter Events Team on events@qshelter.asn.au if you are experiencing any barriers for registering.