Providing healthcare in the streets

One Londoner in fifty is homeless.

Whether a person is experiencing street homelessness or is living in temporary shelters, squats, or insecure accommodation, homelessness has a deep impact on physical and mental health.

This winter, we are piloting a mobile health service for homeless people in London. We are offering an innovative and flexible solution that can reach them in the streets, parks, shelters and homeless centres.

Many people experiencing homelessness will not see a doctor for long periods of time, due to difficulties in registering with a GP, travel distance from the clinic, and fear of stigma.

Our volunteer doctors and nurses provide a first medical assessment, prescribe medicines, dress wounds, and provide advice. Our caseworkers help patients register with a GP, supporting them in building up their trust to access healthcare.

Durga, GP and Mobile Clinic coordinator, said “It has taken a few weeks but I think the local homeless population is starting to warm to us and are interested in seeing us.  I still feel we have a long way to go through to try and reach as many people as possible in the limited time we have”.

This February, make a special gift for Valentine’s day and support people who need healthcare.

£32 could pay for prescriptions for two patients

£49 could pay for a week of travel expenses for a volunteer

£160 could contribute towards the training and recruitment of our medical volunteers

£280 could help toward the running costs and medical supplies for our clinic