Mental Health

Mental health problems and homelessness are closely linked as both a cause and as a result of homelessness. Homeless Link’s Survey of Needs and Provision (SNAP) and Mental Health Hot Topic indicate that 95% of projects are catering for people with mental health needs and further Homeless Link research shows that 7 out of 10 of homeless people experience one or more mental health problems.

Mental Health is a serious and enduring support need for people experiencing homelessness. Recent research findings on the mental health needs of homeless clients indicate that:

• 44% of those with a mental health problem said they self medicate with drugs or alcohol;
• 35% of those with a mental health need said that they would like more support – including talking therapies and services for dual diagnosis;
• 60% of people in homelessness services have been found to be affected by complex trauma;
• 14% of clients stated that they self-harm, compared with 4% of the population;
• One fifth of clients who had recently attended A&E had done so because of either mental health or self-harm; and
• Only 10% of clients have additional support from mental health services.

Mental health and homelessness have a complex link where one is both the cause and result of the other. Many people who find themselves homeless have been unable to access appropriate mental health support to adequately address their needs. Homeless Link are currently working to try and influence new mental health structures in London, to find out more about this work, please visit the webpage. Also if you want to learn more about how to work with clients presenting with mental health needs, please download the Homelessness, mental health and wellbeing guide.