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
Meeting the needs of people experiencing homelessness with a traumatic brain injury
Dr Jess Barton, Lead of the Westminster Homeless Neuropsychology Pathway, outlines the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness with a brain injury and offers support tips for homelessness staff.
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News
Breaking the Cycle guest blog: Health Bus Trust on how health care can help end homelessness
Deano Pickering from Health Bus Trust what needs to change to turn the ambitions of the National Plan to End Homelessness into action, focusing in on how accessible and appropriate health care is critical to ending and preventing homelessness.
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News
Free flu jabs for people experiencing homelessness
People experiencing homelessness will now be offered a free flu vaccination on the NHS, beginning in Autumn 2026.
Latest health resources
These are the latest pieces of health and homelessness guidance that we have published.
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Alcohol Use in Homelessness Services
Updated: 17/6/26
Improving the housing and support offer for people who drink.
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Brain injury and homelessness
Updated: 03/6/26
Information and guidance on brain injuries, including how they impact individuals, the links between brain injury and homelessness, and how frontline workers can support.
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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.
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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