Spotlight report: living in the shadows- homelessness in Rotherham

Healthwatch Rotherham wanted to look at the health inequalities faced by homeless people.  They spoke to 26 people.

Poor mental health can be both the cause and result of homelessness. Housing insecurity, homelessness and uncertainty can be extremely stressful and can both create, and make existing mental health issues worse.

People experiencing homelessness were more likely to have a long term health condition. A lack of access to healthcare services means that health conditions may be left untreated or poorly managed, resulting in conditions getting worse. Traditional ways of offering screening or follow up appointments by post, means those without a permanent address are at risk of missing appointments resulting in missed diagnosis opportunities and unfinished treatments.

Drug and alcohol addiction are often involved in the cycle of homelessness. Those struggling with addictions may find it hard to hold down secure employment and housing. Those experiencing homelessness may turn to drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism and a form of self medication to deal with their situation.

A lack of access to healthcare along with a lack of money poses serious consequences for health. With the move towards making a lot of healthcare processes digital, those who don’t have reliable internet access are at risk of being excluded from healthcare services. Whilst many people experiencing homelessness have mobile phones, being unable to charge them, not being able to afford mobile phone contracts and the risk of getting them broken or stolen, means that they are not a reliable way for people to be able to make appointments or get information about their healthcare. The waiting times often experienced on phone calls mean that many cannot afford to wait to get their call answered and go without medical advice.