Our upcoming project: homelessness and mental health needs
Homelessness & rough sleeping in Westminster
Homelessness and rough sleeping are a growing problem nationally, and this is particularly true within Westminster.
In 2022/23, there were 2050 rough sleepers reported in Westminster, making it the London borough with the highest number of rough sleepers that year. In fact, there were more rough sleepers in Westminster than in any other local authority across Britain. Westminster is also the local council that spends the most resources on the issue of rough sleeping in the whole of the UK – currently, the Council spends a total of £6 million a year on outreach services and accommodation for rough sleepers, alongside wider investment.
Health inequalities and increased mortality
People who are homeless and rough sleeping often face complex health issues, and ill-health can be both a cause and a consequence of homelessness. Rough sleeping over a long period of time drastically increases the likelihood of comorbidities and mortality rate.
People who sleep rough experience some of the most severe health inequalities and report much poorer health than the general population. Many have co-occurring mental ill health and substance misuse needs, physical health needs, and have experienced significant trauma in their lives. (UK Government, 2020)
Compared with the general population, common mental health conditions (such as depression, anxiety, and panic disorder) are over twice as high among people who experience homelessness, and psychosis is up to 15 times as high. Many rough sleepers have a dual-diagnosis – that is, they suffer from mental health problems as well as being alcohol– or drug- dependent – which can affect their access to mental health services whilst they misuse substances.
Reducing homelessness will contribute to a reduction in health inequalities and improvements in a wide range of health outcomes.
Our project
Healthwatch Westminster is developing a project to identify the mental health needs of people experiencing homelessness and evaluate the gaps in current mental health provisions. Our aim is to amplify and raise awareness of the mental health needs of Westminster’s homeless communities. By providing recommendations for improving access to primary mental health care services, we hope to provide local services with valuable information that can help them make their services more appropriate for homeless communities. We also aim to raise wider public awareness on the importance of mental health support for those who are homeless.
What you need to know
We have put together a list of local services available in Westminster helping those who are rough sleeping – here’s what you should know:
- StreetLink is a platform that connects people rough sleeping in England and Wales to support provided by local authorities and charities.
If you are homeless, you can still register with a GP surgery - you do not need ID, an NHS number or proof of address to do so. If you do not have a permanent address, you can still register using a temporary address or the address of the GP surgery. Find more information here.
- Dr Hickey Surgery: The Doctor Hickey Surgery was opened in 1987 to meet the needs of homeless people. They care for those who are roofless, those in hotels and hostels, squats and refuges, as well as people shelters.
Hostels in Westminster are free at the point of access to people who are sleeping rough and willing to engage with local services:
- St Mungo's - St Mungo's is a large charity supporting homeless people, mainly based in London and the South. W6 8BS
- Thames Reach (London Street Rescue) - Thames Reach is a London-based charity with an ultimate goal of ending street homelessness. SE5 8UA
- The Connection at St Martin's - Homelessness organisation located in Trafalgar Square, open 21 hours a day, 364 days a year providing an open door service. WC2N 4HW
- The Passage - A homeless charity comprising a Day Centre and hostel working mainly with rough sleepers. SW1P 1NL, SW1V 1JH
