We support people living in emergency accommodation to engage with professional treatment for their mental and physical health issues, reducing unplanned hospital admissions, and empowering them to take better care of their health. This could involve:
Our work aims to prevent people from slipping into rough sleeping or worsening health and support them to live a healthier, happier and safer lifestyle.
I don’t know what I would have done without the support from Justlife. I have been suicidal and attempted it but I haven’t done this since having the support from Justlife
She (Justlife Worker) made me feel safe and trusted to use the health services. She has taken me to health services and places where I can feel secure and safe. She used to listen to my words without judging.
Homelessness can have a devastating impact on people's health outcomes and serious health issues can even cause homelessness. In Shelter's research, 66% of people reported that temporary accommodation had a negative impact their on physical or mental health. Residents can find TA extremely stressful; poor living conditions, sharing communal spaces with strangers, a lack of cooking facilities, and the uncertainty of housing vulnerability can trigger anxiety, depression, trauma and low self-esteem.
Without professional support, health problems can worsen and building a life away from homelessness can become more complicated. We work alongside health professionals to improve people's health and give them the best chance of leaving homelessness behind.
Over 1000 physical / mental health appointments were arranged or attended by a health engagement worker last year.
In Brighton, we've provided health engagement work to over 700 people, resulting in a 33% reduction in unplanned hospital admissions and a 47% reduction in hospital readmission rates.