SPEAR is marking World Homeless Day and World Mental Health Day by highlighting the crucial link between homelessness and mental health challenges. Poor mental health is both a cause and a consequence of homelessness, and without early intervention many people can find themselves excluded from the very help they need.
Our Mental Health Project is there to break down these barriers. Our team offers one-to-one support, therapeutic groups, drop-ins and guidance to help people experiencing homelessness build resilience and access the services they need.
Health and Wellbeing Day in Twickenham
To mark the day, we’re partnering with Shepherd’s Star for a special Health and Wellbeing Day in Twickenham, bringing together NHS and community services in a welcoming space designed to nurture wellbeing and reduce isolation. Attendees will benefit from vital health checks, hot meals, haircuts and expert advice on a wide range of issues, including:
- Hepatitis C information and quick testing from HepC Trust’s liver scan van
- Eye health support from a diabetic eye screening worker
- NHS homeless nurse health checks and signposting
- Sexual health advice from SPECTRA
- Mental wellbeing resources from Richmond Mind
- Harm reduction strategies from RCDAS, the local substance misuse and alcohol service
- Accessible eye care from Specsavers Twickenham staff as part of their homeless inclusion initiative
This mix of health, mental health and community support helps build confidence and fosters wellbeing.
Building community and connection
Last month, SPEAR’s Mental Health Access Worker organised a trip to Canterbury in partnership with the Vineyard Community Centre, inspired by a client’s idea. Five clients, aged 24 to 92, explored the city’s cobbled streets and felt the calm of Canterbury Cathedral – an experience offering both reflection and inspiration. Shared meals and companionship helped ease loneliness and strengthened their sense of belonging.
Join us in standing together
Experiences like these – whether a wellbeing day or a simple journey away – are made possible by the generosity of SPEAR’s supporters. With homelessness on the rise, every donation enables SPEAR to provide wraparound care: one-to-one support, health advice, days out and guidance that restore hope and wellbeing alongside ending homelessness.
On World Homeless Day and World Mental Health Day, SPEAR celebrates everyone who stands in solidarity so that nobody faces homelessness alone.
