Aim
The purpose of this website is to summarise our research findings and recommendations around the health and social care needs of people experiencing homelessness. Our aim is to provide information that is relevant and useful to members of the public, public health practitioners, policy makers and academics.
The website can be used to:
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Inform policy and practice
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Help identify further opportunities for research
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Expand people’s knowledge of the challenges people experiencing homelessness face and how their health needs can be supported
Terminology
Words often have different meanings for different people. We have tried to clarify what we mean by certain key terms below:
Homelessness can take many forms. Our definition of broad in that it encompasses those who have no accommodation (roofless), in an unsuitable accommodation, or staying informally with friends or family (“sofa surfing”). When we use homelessness, we will provide a definition if we are being more restrictive.
Severe and multiple disadvantage is the co-occurrence of all three or a combination of homelessness, substance use, or repeat offending. We will sometimes use multiple complex needs as another term to reflect this with the additional element of mental ill-health.
Trauma refers to the impact of traumatic experiences. Traumatic experiences can take place at any age and vary in type or form, but the most common ones are experiences of violence, abuse, and neglect. These often cause trauma, which has long-lasting effects on survivors' health, wellbeing, sense-of-self, and relationship with others.
Local research team
Our team collaborates with people from across health, social care, and housing, as well as with
people who have experienced homelessness. You can see more specific collaborations for each project on the project pages.
Sheena Ramsay
Professor of Public Health
Epidemiology
Involved in:
All studies
Emma Adams
NIHR Doctoral Fellow
Involved in:
All studies
Eileen Kaner
Professor of Public Health & Primary Care Research
Involved in:
All studies
Suruchi Ganbavale
Research Associate
Involved in:
Everyone In Evaluation
Neha Jain
Research Assistant
Involved in:
Everyone In Evaluation
Oral and Health-related Behaviours
Deepti John
Research Assistant
Involved in:
Oral and Health-related Behaviours
Steven Thirkle
Research Associate
Involved in:
Trauma-Informed Holistic Care
Support
Crisis UK provides advice and support for people experiencing homelessness to find housing, employment, develop new skills and more. You can find your nearest Skylight centre Get help: Crisis Skylight centres | Crisis UK
Samaritans provides confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day. The Samaritans can be called on 116 123. You can also contact your local Samaritans branch if you'd like to talk to someone in your region.
Anxiety UK helpline on 03444 775 774, open Mon-Fri 09:30-22:00 and Sat-Sun 10:00-20:00
Supportline for emotional support on 01708765200 or info@supportline.org.uk
SANE runs a national, out-of-hours mental health helpline offering specialist emotional support and information to anyone affected by mental illness, including family, friends and carers. The helpline is open every day of the year from 6pm to 11pm. The helpline can be reached on 0300 304 7000
Mind offers advice, legal information, and support across a range of mental health conditions. The line is open from 9am-6pm, Monday to Friday (except for bank holidays). The info line can be reached on 0300 123 3393. You can also text Mind at 86463.