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
Improve: An NIHR funded programme on palliative care and homelessness
The University College London, Marie Curie, Groundswell, Pathway, the University of York, and the University of Leeds are seeking expressions of interest to deliver intervention work to optimise palliative care for people with lived experience of homelessness, commencing January 2026.
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News
World Health Day: Mental health and homelessness
This blog look at the connections between mental health and homelessness, suggests some useful resources for services wishing to improve their practice and links to some of the changes that are needed in the policy arena.
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News
Housing First is essential, but it needs long-term thinking
Housing First is essential but we need longer funding cycles and top-down investment in staff, says Sarah Lister of Oasis Community Housing, as part of the Reset Homelessness campaign.
Latest health resources
These are the latest pieces of health and homelessness guidance that we have published.
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Hepatitis C
Updated: 21/5/25
Guidance on Hepatitis C including information on how it is transmitted, treatment, and what homelessness services can do to support at-risk groups.
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Improving nutrition among people experiencing homelessness
Updated: 08/5/25
Animations and a research report to help services and staff improve nutrition among people experiencing homelessness and using substances.
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Brain injury and homelessness
Updated: 08/5/25
Recognising the links between brain injury and homelessness, and how services can help.
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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