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
How radical safeguarding can create systemic change for people experiencing homelessness
For Safeguarding Adults week, Gill Taylor, Strategic Lead for the Dying Homeless Project and independent Safeguarding Adult Review author, talks about the Radical Safeguarding Toolkit and encourages practitioners to challenge the status quo of harm and discrimination, and move towards anti-oppressive practice.
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News
Supporting people experiencing homelessness with diabetes
Read about a national partnership project which considered how to improve care for people experiencing homelessness with diabetes, with links to resources and free e-learning to support frontline workers.
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News
Lived experience videos highlight key homeless health issues
New videos on suicide support, health conversations and dental care.
Latest health resources
These are the latest pieces of health and homelessness guidance that we have published.
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Improving access to dental care for people experiencing homelessness
Updated: 21/10/24
Report by the Homeless Health Consortium to explore ways to improve access to dental care for people experiencing homelessness.
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COVID-19 General Guidance & Resources
Updated: 05/9/24
Guidance on COVID-19 testing and vaccination in homelessness settings over the winter period, with links to specialist organisations for further information and guidance on different aspects of COVID-19.
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Autism and Homelessness
Updated: 23/8/24
A toolkit to help homelessness teams improve their support to people who are, or may be, autistic.
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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