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
Women’s specific experiences of homelessness and health must be addressed
For International Women's Day, Homeless Link's Senior Research Manager, Debra Hertzberg, analyses health data to show why women experiencing homelessness need tailored healthcare.
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News
We must end the revolving door between homelessness and hospitals
Healthcare spending on people facing homelessness is very costly but is achieving very little, writes Dee O’Connell at Pathway, as part of the Reset Homelessness campaign.
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News
Annual review of the sector reveals immense pressures
Key findings from Homeless Link 2023 research into single homelessness support and how this important evidence supports our government influencing work.
Latest health resources
These are the latest pieces of health and homelessness guidance that we have published.
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Safeguarding Adults Reviews
Updated: 10/3/25
Guidance on Safeguarding Adults Reviews, including what they are, why to conduct them, the process, and learning from previous reviews.
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The Care Act and Social Care Assessments
Updated: 25/2/25
Guidance on how to support people accessing homelessness services to request an assessment under the Care Act, how eligibility for social care is determined, and what happens once a decision is made.
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Safeguarding Adults at Risk
Updated: 12/2/25
Guidance on safeguarding adults, including how to raise a safeguarding alert and the role of Safeguarding Adults Boards.
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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