Breaking Barriers Campaign
Mental health problems can be both a cause and a consequence of homelessness. For those facing homelessness, mental health problems can be highly prevalent and often access to specialist care and treatment is poorer than that for the general population.
There is a very clear link between the issues that can lead to homelessness and mental health problems, including adverse childhood experiences, family issues, addiction, drug dependence, domestic violence, unemployment or poverty.
Individuals who are homeless and living with mental health problems are also highly vulnerable to violence whilst being on the streets, and survival is often more of a priority then setting of health-related goals.
Furthermore, there are many obstacles that individuals encounter in accessing urgent mental health care.
Therefore, the disentangling of these issues can be incredibly complicated, often needing intervention and support from several organisations.
We believe that investment in existing services, and the launch of new programmes, in South East London is of paramount importance. We must also look at the current levels of dedicated mental health professionals with urgent investment is needed in training and education.
“Sometimes, being alone is better than trying to fit in. I try to survive not get better. No-one understands me, I feel pretty worthless at times.”
Our goal for the campaign is as follows:
- To urge government to invest in better local support
- To work with the relevant local health care providers, local authorities, and relevant partners to agree and implement innovative models of care
- Create new Mental Health Campions within 999 Club staff to provide a better service to those we see on a daily basis
Adopting this partnership approach will be essential especially as the mental health needs of those who are homeless can often be incredibly complex, requiring holistic and patient centred trauma informed care from multidisciplinary teams.
Read Charlie's inspiring journey through mental health struggles and homelessness >>