The purpose of World Homeless Day is to draw attention to the needs of people who experience homelessness locally, and to provide opportunities for the community to get involved in responding to homelessness. The campaign aims to educate people about homeless issues, celebrate and support good practice happening locally, and highlight local issues. To mark […]
A London health leader who has played a key role in the response to COVID-19 in the capital has been awarded an OBE in The Queen’s Birthday Honours 2021. Jemma Gilbert, who has led efforts to protect the city’s large and extremely vulnerable homeless population on behalf of the NHS, is recognised for services to […]
Healthy London Partnership, Greater London Authority and over 20 National and International partners have been awarded the Health and Local Government Partnership award for the London Homeless Health response to Covid-19 at the 40th HSJ Awards. The HSJ Awards is revered for its role in shedding light on these important qualities and their value in […]
We have been coordinating the London COVID-19 Homeless Health Response, as a multi-agency approach to managing the health needs and minimising the transmission of COVID-19 within the homeless population in London. Please see a range of resources, information and further contacts below. Frequently Asked Questions for hostels, and homeless hotels when dealing with COVID-19 (updated […]
The Homeless Health Operations Centre was staffed by the Healthy London Partnership, supporting the London COVID-19 Homeless Health Response Cell, as a multi-agency approach to managing the health needs and minimising the transmission of COVID-19 within the homeless population in London. This is set out in our initial operating manual. The redeployed members of the […]
In London, people experiencing homelessness qualify for a free flu vaccine. GP’s and pharmacies may offer this in other areas. A range of resources and guidance is available to promote flu jabs for the homeless. Guidance on staying healthy this winter for people experiencing homelessness Groundswell’s updated (December 2021) leaflet includes tips from staff with […]
The Healthy London Partnership launches the ‘The London Health Podcast’ today, with homeless health and challenges around NHS hospital discharge the theme for this month’s episode. Length of stay for homeless people are around three times longer and around 70% of rough sleepers are discharged back onto the street, further damaging their health and costing the […]
This guidance document outlines the latest developments in homeless hospital discharge, including the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and the duty it places on hospital trusts, emergency departments and urgent treatment centres. With homelessness at record levels in London and hospitals under increased pressure over winter, this guidance document provides a checklist for use by staff […]
We have designed an interactive toolkit to support local authorities, clinical commissioning groups, and integrated care systems across London to conduct homeless health needs assessments. Helping you deliver integrated care Conducting a health needs assessment is key to developing and delivering integrated care. Local Authorities must do a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment of the health and […]
Poor access to dental services has a significant impact on the lives of people experiencing homelessness. Poor oral health commonly causes pain and suffering; dental pain can have a negative impact on mental and physical health and in some cases can cause people to use alcohol or drugs to control their pain. We have produced […]