No Place to Call Home: Homelessness and the Impact on Health and Wellbeing

Working with Woolwich Service Users Project (WSUP), Healthwatch Greenwich held a discussion group to hear from homeless Greenwich residents about their experiences of local health and care services. Nine residents took part in our discussion group, including two street sleepers and seven living in temporary or insecure accommodation.  

For many residents, accessing health services presented many barriers. Without the necessary documentation like proof of identity or address, getting GP and other health service appointments was increasingly difficult. This meant that residents often did not get the care needed to manage their health concerns. 

On top of this, living on a very low budget, and for some, worries about their immigration status, made things even worse. Unless in walking distance, many residents could not afford the bus fare to get to health appointments. Moreover, without clear information on service entitlements, many residents, particularly those with uncertain immigration status, felt that they were not allowed to access the care they needed for free.

Those we spoke to told us how living in poor living conditions, whether in insecure housing or street sleeping, directly affected their mental and physical health. For many residents, this was a vicious cycle. Poor mobility, chronic health conditions and the stress of homelessness all fed into each other to diminish their health. This made seeking care, managing their conditions or even being able to engage in healthy behaviours more challenging. In addition, residents often experience stigma from services, making them reluctant to try get the support they need.

Community organisations filled the gaps left by formal services. These organisations offer not only practical assistance but advocacy and guidance, helping residents to access medical services, mental health support and wider support that they otherwise may be excluded from. These organisations work to improve not only immediate access to health and care services but also the long-term wellbeing of homeless Greenwich residents and those living in insecure housing.