Our Homeless Health Link services seeks to empower people who are experiencing homelessness to improve their health and wellbeing.
We know that people who are experiencing homelessness are more likely to have poorer physical and mental health than the general population. Health needs are often chronic, multiple and complex in nature, which can significantly reduce their life expectancy.
People who are experiencing homelessness can experience a number of barriers to accessing healthcare services, including:
Address
many people assume you need a fixed address for services, when in fact you don’t. For those who do get an appointment, there are the practicalities of where to send letters for appointments and reminders.
Money
no phone credit to make appointment, no travel money to get there, or no access to internet.
Information
lack of accessible information to find out how to get support, as well as lack of digital and literacy skills to access information.
Confidence
many people feel they don’t deserve support or care, and these negative feelings can stop them seeking the services available to them. Low self-worth and isolation also mean people may have a fear of bad news, so they simply avoid healthcare. They don’t have the mental strength to face difficult health issues, or the love and support that friends and family can offer.
Trust
previous negative experiences with institutions and professionals (some since childhood) are a common barrier to seeking help.
Available to anyone who is experiencing homelessness in South West London, we:
Support people who are experiencing homelessness to access local healthcare services, both digitally and face-to-face, receive diagnoses and joined up care, and gain a greater understanding of their treatment.
Upskill healthcare professionals in the challenges and barriers that people who are experiencing homelessness face in accessing health care.
The difference our Homelessness Health Link service makes to those experiencing homelessness…
Improves their health and wellbeing.
Improves their confidence, self-esteem and digital skills to navigate the health system independently.
Improves their awareness of health and wellbeing services and support available.
Builds their resilience and social connectedness through the development of a trusted support network.
Reducing their need for emergency health services.
Improves healthcare professional's awareness and understanding of the local homeless population and their health needs.
Mental Health Project
Our Mental Health Project addresses the increasing mental health needs of people experiencing homelessness in Richmond and Wandsworth. The team offers one-to-one sessions, therapeutic group activities, and drop-in advice, all aimed at improving mental wellbeing and facilitating access to mental health services. The initiative helps to break down barriers to accessing mental health support, promoting resilience and reducing reliance on emergency services for those experiencing homelessness.
We are grateful to The Richmond Foundation, Hampton Fund, Doughty Family Foundation, Steel Charitable Trust and MoMark Foundation who have generously funded this project.
If you are a healthcare provider and would like to know more about our service or work with us, then we would love to hear from you! Contact the team at HHLS@spearlondon.org
Our Homeless Health Link Service is kindly funded by:
In July 2022, during a Health and Wellbeing Day in Kingston, attendees explained why holding such events is important for people experiencing homelessness: