Inequalities are very real for people experiencing homelessness
Across all forms of health care needs, both physical and mental, as well as access to necessary support, people experiencing homelessness report poorer diagnoses and greater barriers to healthcare than the general population. We must understand why this is and address the systemic change needed.
Understanding the challenges facing people who are homeless
Homeless Link developed the Health Needs Audit tool for use with communities of people who have experienced homelessness. The audit has been carried out across dozens of local authorities and health authorities.
The results have been collated into our groundbreaking publication series, the "Unhealthy State of Homelessness" which is some of the best research published about the challenges facing people who are homeless.
Findings from the Homeless Health Needs Audit
Health inequality
People experiencing homelessness suffer from worse physical and mental health than the general population
Long-term illness and disability
Between 2018 – 2021 63% of respondents reported they had a long term illness, disability or infirmity
Mental health
The number of people with a mental health diagnosis has increased substantially from 45% in 2014 to 82% in the 2018 – 2021 cohort
Drugs and alcohol
45% of respondents reported they are self-medicating with drugs or alcohol to help them cope with their mental health
News about health and homelessness
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News
New data shows TB cases in England rose by 13.6% in 2024
The UKHSA has published new data which shows reported notifications of Tuberculosis (TB) in England increasing by 13.6% in 2024, compared to the previous year.
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News
Reducing health inequalities for people experiencing homelessness through integrated services
A new set of best practice case studies for homelessness and health professionals illustrate how to deliver integrated health and social care services in line with the NICE guidelines.
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News
Tackling a different kind of period poverty? The Period Literacy Toolkit for the homelessness sector
Thea Raisbeck of Spring Housing introduces a practical new toolkit.
Latest health resources
These are the latest pieces of health and homelessness guidance that we have published.
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Tuberculosis
Updated: 16/10/25
Guidance on tuberculosis including who is at risk, symptoms, treatment, and how homelessness services can support those affected.
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Delivering integrated health and social care services for people experiencing homelessness
Updated: 09/10/25
Best practice case studies illustrating how to deliver on the NICE guidelines around integrated services to reduce health inequalities.
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Supporting people who use drugs
Updated: 01/8/25
Information and guidance on supporting people who use drugs, including how homelessness services can provide support, drug treatment pathways, and example organisational drugs policies.
Health-related courses
As part of our work to improve the effectiveness of the sector, Homeless Link also provides training courses that can be delivered either to a team or to individuals.
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