As a frontline homelessness organisation, we deliver positive outcomes to those experiencing homelessness
Rough sleeping is on the rise:
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The number of people estimated to be sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2022 is 3,069, which after four years of decreases, has risen for the first time since the peak in 2017.
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The number of people estimated to be sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2022 is down 28% from 2019, which was before COVID-19-related measures which may have reduced people’s risk of rough sleeping, particularly in 2020.
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The number of people estimated to be sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2022 is up by 626 people or 26% from 2021. It is down 35% from 2017 but is up 74% since 2010, when the snapshot approach was introduced.
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The rate of people sleeping rough on a single night in England in 2022 was 5.4 people per 100,000. This has increased since 2021 (4.3 per 100,000), though is lower than in 2017 (8.5 per 100,000).
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While rough sleeping increased in every region of England compared to the previous year, increases have been driven by a small number of areas. Over half the increase in the number of people sleeping rough on a single night is driven by 15 areas (5% of all areas). In just under half of all areas (46%), the number of people sleeping rough decreased or stayed the same compared to last year.
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The largest increase in the number of people estimated to be sleeping rough was in London, where there were 858 people this year compared to 640 people last year, an increase of 218 people or 34%.
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Nearly half (47%) of all people sleeping rough on a single night in autumn are in London and the South East.
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Most people sleeping rough in England are male, aged over 26 years old and from the UK. This is similar to previous years.
Data from gov.uk
Mildmay provides inpatient care for homeless patients who have been 'stepped down' from acute care. We deliver medical care and treatment to a vulnerable group that is in desperate need. This work is alongside our ongoing work with HIV.
In addition, Mildmay is London's primary facility for homeless COVID-19 patients that do not require intensive care.
Post-detox inpatient rehabilitation care for patients who are homeless or rough-sleeping.
We deliver safe and effective inpatient post-detoxification, recovery-focused care for people who sleep rough, are in hostel accommodation and/or are at risk of returning to the streets.
Patients are admitted to Mildmay after being stepped down following detoxification treatment at acute centres in London like the Addiction Clinical Care Suite for homeless people at Guys and St. Thomas’s Hospital - one of our partners in this programme.
Less? is an informative film created by NHS England, Pathway UK and Groundswell about personal stories and journeys to health from people who have experienced and overcome homelessness.
Film-maker CJ Barton interviewed people with lived experiences of homelessness, sharing their stories with us, through the medium of film.
The film's website contains a discussion guide to help foster reflective discussions with friends, peers, or colleagues about homelessness, and we encourage you to share it with them.
There are also additional links and resources, and a feedback form to contact the film's makers.
While the tone of the film is optimistic, it does contain references to depression and suicide.
If you need help please contact 111, or speak to Samaritans on 116 123.
Healthcare challenges of people who are homeless
People who are homeless experience some of the worst health problems in society. The longer a person experiences homelessness, particularly from young adulthood, the more likely their health and wellbeing will be at risk. Co-morbidity (two or more diseases or disorders occurring in the same person) among the longer-term homeless population is common.
34
times more likely to have tuberculosis
50
times more likely to have Hepatitis C
12
times more likely to have epilepsy
6
times more likely to have heart disease
5
times more likely to have a stroke
2.5
times more likely to have asthma
Data courtesy of Pathway
Goals and outcomes
Our purpose is two-fold
Mildmay's aims are that:
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No rough sleepers die on the street
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No one is discharged from a hospital to the street
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There is equal and fair access to healthcare for those who are homeless.
1. To deliver better care and health outcomes for homeless patients
2. To make more efficient use of all available health resources by freeing up NHS acute beds and providing medical respite/rehabilitation for this vulnerable cohort, improving the likelihood of a safe and full recovery.
Our funding
About 80% of funding for patients who are homeless is covered by NHS contracts, and we depend on your help to secure the remainder to be able to deliver high-quality services and provide the best facilities in our hospital.
Mildmay is a charity providing specialist services to the NHS, not an NHS or private hospital. We don't make a profit, and all donations are invested in our services and facilities.
Help us secure the future of our UK hospital in developing the Homeless Pathway, so we can ensure equal and fair access to healthcare for those who are homeless.