We are pleased to announce the launch of a dedicated mental health project to support people experiencing homelessness in Richmond and Wandsworth. This new service responds to alarming local trends: rough sleeping in these boroughs rose to 272 individuals in 2023/24, with 52% identified as having mental health needs – an increase from 35% the previous year.
Research highlights the vicious cycle linking homelessness and mental health. Homeless Link’s Unhealthy State of Homelessness report found that 45% of homeless individuals self-medicate with drugs or alcohol to cope, while 48% rely on emergency healthcare – triple the rate of the general population. These challenges are compounded by systemic barriers to accessing timely mental health support.
A two-pronged approach to support
The project will include two new specialised roles:
Mental Health Access Worker: Providing tailored one to one support, group workshops, and drop-in sessions to help clients manage mental health, build resilience, and navigate services.
Mental Health Peer Advocate: Drawing on lived experience of homelessness and mental health challenges, this role offers empathetic peer support, advocates for clients, and helps to breakdown stigma.
The service will provide the following:
- Personalized support through one to one sessions with clients focused on goal-setting, crisis planning and accessing NHS services.
- Therapeutic workshops and drop-in sessions across both boroughs to reduce isolation and promote wellbeing.
We are grateful to The Richmond Foundation, Hampton Fund, Doughty Family Foundation, Steel Charitable Trust and MoMark Foundation who have generously funded this project.
