Mental health services for rough sleepers

Last year, half of all people sleeping rough in London were recorded as having mental health needs, but many do not have access to the specialist support and treatment they need.

This work is testing how new collaborative ways of working can provide targeted support and help people leave the streets for good.

Dedicated teams of mental health practitioners from NHS Mental Health Trusts will join outreach workers on the streets from organisations such as St Mungo’s, Thames Reach and Single Homeless Project. The teams could also include specialist input from a psychologist, psychiatrist or peer support worker. They will provide people sleeping rough with flexible, accessible mental health support, which better understands their needs and ensures they receive the appropriate assessment and treatment.

We are helping to create a community of practice to support this work in North London.