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
Homelessness Strategy falls short on addressing deep homelessness and health links
Our comment piece for Inside Housing discusses how our Unhealthy State of Homelessness report can help ensure the government’s strategy breaks the cycle of worsening ill health and homelessness.
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News
Is it time for change in social care and homelessness? Our response to the Casey Commission
This blog summarises the evidence we presented to the Casey Commission, laying out how a social care focus could help transform the homelessness system for the better.
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News
New resource published for frontline workers to help tackle the growing impact of liver disease
Kate Pitt, GP, writes about the growing rates of liver disease, how it disproportionately affects people experiencing homelessness, and shares a new resource developed to support frontline workers.
Latest health resources
These are the latest pieces of health and homelessness guidance that we have published.
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Palliative Care and Homelessness
Updated: 23/2/26
Guidance on palliative care including why it is relevant to the homelessness sector, and how services can identify and support those who may need palliative services.
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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.
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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