Eastbourne Listening Tour - Homelessness Engagement
Download (PDF 880.86 KB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch East Sussex engaged with homeless people as part of its 2022 Listening Tour. They spoke to 16 people who were either rough sleeping or in temporary accommodation.
The homelessness organisations are an essential service in the community and should continue to be available. Without these organisations rough sleepers and those in emergency and temporary accommodation would lack food, warmth, support and advice.
There is insufficient support for the large number of people with mental health conditions. If support is not given, these individuals suffer and will struggle to overcome other challenges such as drug and alcohol dependency.
The processes for financial support can be complex and sometimes this support does not cover essential monthly costs. This leaves individuals unable to buy food, toiletries etc. and when living in temporary accommodation unable to pay the bills.
Many people are not happy living where they are living or being moved around or being far away from their families. This could have a negative impact on their mental health and wellbeing, not having any family support or potentially feeling unsafe in a certain location.
Communication is lacking from the local authority, doctors, welfare officers etc.- there is a need for responses to these individuals and it would be appreciated to have face-to-face communication. This would result in homeless residents feeling listened to and getting the financial, health and care support they require.
Doctor and dentist services are limited which means that these residents are suffering from untreated health and dental conditions. This is causing them to suffer from painful conditions and it is impacting on their wellbeing.
Some health and care services are not in an accessible location for someone who is homeless and has limited funds to travel there. Specialist treatment at hospitals or covid vaccinations were fed back as being difficult to reach and result in residents’ being prone to health risks if they cannot get to these locations.
The report contains nine recommendations.