Somerset homelessness is 'health issue' not just housing concern

The service has drop-in centres across Somerset offering support and health checks

Homelessness needs to be seen as a health and wellbeing issue, rather than just a housing concern, a council manager has said.

The Homeless and Rough Sleepers Nursing Service in Somerset provides care for people experiencing homelessness.

Somerset Council's health improvement manager said people sleeping rough were more likely to experience poor health, especially during cold weather.

Service user Oscar Fox said he was a "wreck" before getting help.

Oscar Fox uses the service several times a week

"When I first came here I was shabby, I was homeless. I'm really much better - mentally and physically [now]," Mr Fox added.

"It was not a good time. I really do not enjoy living out in the cold. Luckily for me I had a lot of equipment...roll mats, sleeping bags, thermals, because it is so cold outside. It is not nice.

"I find it quite hard to keep myself healthy, there is no healthy food around for homeless people," he said.

Mr Fox uses the service twice a week and said the staff are "incredible".

When he first approached the team, they helped him get into a hotel, and eventually helped him get into his own flat.

As temperatures drop again this week, the service - which operates drop in centres across the county offering health checks - said it was expecting more people to come in for support.

Karen George said "the need we found astonished all of us"

Karen George, clinical lead at the service, said: "Our numbers are increasing throughout winter.

"People come in for the warmth and then see one of the nurses. We are improving their lives by improving their healthcare.

"If they feel better about themselves, it's a knock-on effect on stepping forward, instead of stepping backwards all the time."

The team is now working closely with the county's severe weather emergency team.

Ms George added: "What happens when you can't ring your GP at 08:00 in the morning because you don't have a phone or can't charge it?

"We do health coordination for these people who have lost their trust in healthcare services."

Andy Lloyd said it was important homelessness was seen as a health and wellbeing issue, rather than just a housing concern

Somerset Council's health improvement manager Andy Lloyd said it was important the issues of homelessness were looked at as a whole and not just a housing problem.

"The needs of this client group are quite complex and if you try and see any of this group's needs in insolation you don't get the best outcomes," he said.

He added: "People who experience homelessness are much more likely to experience ill health.

"By only focussing on one area at a time you're creating further disadvantage."