Homeless Health Peer Advocacy
What is Homeless Health Peer Advocacy?
The Groundswell Homeless Health Peer Advocacy (HHPA) service supports people experiencing homelessness to address health issues.
We work to improve people’s confidence in using health services and increase their ability to access healthcare independently.
The volunteer Homeless Health Peer Advocates delivering the service have all experienced homelessness themselves; in some areas we also have specialist Care Navigators or Case Workers – the majority of whom began as volunteers.
The Homeless Health Peer Advocacy service can support people experiencing homelessness:
- Around any health issue, including physical, mental health and substance use.
- To attend and understand health appointments and make choices about the next steps.
- By giving practical support in attending follow ups and hospital stays.
- To find out information about health and health services.
- By paying for travel if needed.
The Homeless Health Peer Advocacy service only supports people to access healthcare. We cannot provide support around benefits or housing.
If you are currently experiencing homelessness, you can find more information about how to refer yourself, find information on other types of support and gain access to lots or health resources on our dedicated page.
How to refer
- Please check the table below whether HHPA is available in your London borough
- If so, please use the options below to either:
Refer an individual experiencing homelessness to Groundswell’s HHPA service:
(If you’re unsure whether an individual has used the service before, please complete a new referral)
Need to refer yourself?
Where HHPA London Operates
This is the list of boroughs where we provide our Homeless Health Peer Advocacy services:
| Borough / project | Can accept referrals from | Can accompany people experiencing homelessness to appointments around | Other services offered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camden | Homeless sector staff, healthcare staff, self-referral | Physical healthcare (including dentists, opticians) and mental healthcare. | Health promotion in-reach sessions |
| Hackney | Homeless sector staff, healthcare staff, self-referral | Physical healthcare (including dentists, opticians) and mental healthcare. | Health promotion in-reach sessions |
| Hammersmith and Fulham | Homeless sector staff, healthcare staff, self-referral | Physical healthcare (including dentists, opticians) and alcohol misuse. | Health promotion in-reach sessions |
| Kensington and Chelsea | Homeless sector staff, healthcare staff, self-referral | Physical healthcare, mental healthcare and drug and mental healthcare. | Health promotion in-reach sessions |
| Lambeth | Homeless sector staff, healthcare staff, self-referral | Physical healthcare (including dentists, opticians) and mental healthcare. | Health promotion in-reach sessions |
| Southwark | Homeless sector staff, healthcare staff, self-referral | Physical healthcare (including dentists, opticians) and mental healthcare. | Health promotion in-reach sessions |
| Tower Hamlets | Homeless sector staff, healthcare staff, self-referral | Physical healthcare (including dentists, opticians) and mental healthcare. | |
| Westminster | Homeless sector staff, healthcare staff, self-referral | Physical healthcare, mental healthcare and drug and alcohol misuse. | Health promotion in-reach sessions |
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We also work in Brent, Ealing and City but can only take referrals from specific teams. |
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Resources
Please visit our useful health resource hub if you are experiencing homelessness or supporting someone experiencing homelessness. These accessible resources have been co-produced by health practitioners and people with experience of homelessness.
Groundswell & MIND: You have the right to feel ok
Hospital discharge planning for patients experiencing homelessness Health Guide
Your Rights Pocket Guide