Co-production: mental health and homelessness in Westminster
Project overview
Westminster is London’s borough with the highest rate of homelessness and number of rough sleepers. To address this, we recently conducted a project to explore the mental health needs of Westminster's homeless communities, specifically their experiences with or access to primary mental health treatment services.
Through this project we gained insight into the main issues such as participants’ previous mental health experiences, their interactions with mental health and wellbeing services and the impacts that demographic factors may have on access to and quality of care. The full report shares further information about our data collection methods.
Respondents shared with us that the high thresholds to receive support, digital exclusion and language barriers were among the factors that made it increasingly difficult to access care. Additionally, the lack of funding, poor continuity of care and the absence of a trauma-informed approach make it challenging for service providers to offer high-quality mental health care.
We emphasise in the report that it is vital to provide good continuity of care, address mental health stigma and improve staff training and resources to better support homeless communities.
Co-production event
We will be hosting an interactive, co-production event on Friday 30 August, between 5-8pm at The Stowe Centre. Our aim is to bring together homeless individuals, those with lived experience of homelessness and mental health, mental health service providers, and community organisations working with homeless people in Westminster to discuss our recent report and co-produce next steps.
The findings from this event will inform our ongoing work on the health and well-being of homeless individuals and will be shared with key partners. Book your free ticket and we hope to see you there!
Our venue is wheelchair accessible and refreshments will be provided. If you require further information or support, please feel free to contact us at info@healthwatchwestminster.org.uk or 02081061480
Friday 30 August, 5-8pm, The Stowe Centre
