Agenda item

(18:15 – 18:30*)

To receive an overview of the health aspects of the Draft Homelessness Strategy from the Council’s Lead Member for Homelessness. The Committee will then have an opportunity to formulate comments and questions that the Chair can take to the O&S Board meeting on 1 April 2021 where the Draft Homelessness Strategy will be considered in full.

The sections within the Draft Homelessness Strategy, as seen in Appendix 1, concerning health and healthcare are as follows:

Within Part 3

·       Focus on health and wellbeing

·       Partnership approach

Part 4 – Covid-19 pandemic

Part 6 –Commitments from the 3 Core Aims have particular health and wellbeing focus. There will be further detail and breakdown of all these commitments in the Action Plan which is being drafted currently.

The Council’s Lead Member for Homelessness gave an overview of the health aspects of the Draft Homelessness Strategy. The Committee heard that there were thirty-three references to ‘health’ in the Strategy and that health and wellbeing was a core aim. Members were informed that: there is a clear link between homelessness and poor health that poor health can be a contributing factor to losing a job and/or losing your home. This includes poor mental health. Mental health issues are a common factor in homelessness and up to 45% of housing applicants cite poor mental health. Rough sleeping is at the more extreme end of homelessness and often involves substance abuse. The life expectancy of rough sleepers averages at 46 years old for men and 46 years old for women.

The Committee heard that there was the potential to save lives through the strategy, with specific emphasis on the health aspects. The health risks of homelessness range from dehydration, poor diet, stress, damp and cold, poor mental health, substance abuse, overdoses, blood borne viruses. There are visibly more health issues among the homeless cohort than the general population.

Members were told that the strategy encouraged rough sleepers to move of the streets and gain tenancies. This aim required a holistic approach that coordinates a wrap around care system to meet all the interrelated needs of the individual. Health plays an essential part of this and must be upheld alongside the other support mechanisms, such as benefits, housing, food and toiletries. The ultimate aim was for this to lead to meaningful activities for those individuals within the community and for the individual to receive skills, training and friendship. This is where health and wellbeing are inextricably linked.

It was explained that this was often a slow process and that the services must build trust with homeless individuals. The strategy would feature a joined-up approach alongside the housing services and prevention services. This would include an out of hospital model with provision in community working, alongside housing teams and a new dedicated group of housing officers. It is hoped that this approach would help prevent homeless related deaths including suicide, being the victim of crime, poor health and substance abuse. The ‘package of tailored care’ would also include access to GPs and dental care.

Members were informed that COVID19 had impacted the work on the strategy but had also encouraged services to work more closely together in a collaborative style. This multidisciplinary approach would enable the service area to safeguard individuals, prevent homelessness, intervene earlier and stop early deaths.

The Committee asked several questions following the update. Answers were provided by the Lead Member for Homelessness and the Housing Services Manager. The questions and responses included:

·       A member asked if the strategies focus would be on rough sleeping, to which the Committee were informed that a bespoke provision to all individuals facing or experiencing homelessness would be offered.

·       A member referred to the use of multidisciplinary teams and community hubs, to which it was explained that the strategy sought to upscale and build upon the successes of this model and that future hubs will be predominantly primary care focused with the inclusion of other services.

·       A member asked if the Council could encourage landlords to keep rent prices low and offer incentives in order to aid tenants in precarious housing situations. The Committee were told that the Council could not directly cap rents but does have incentives in place such as grants and support to landlords. Repairs to properties may also be offered in return for longer tenancy agreements. Communication and continued conversations between landlords and the Council are imperative. Furthermore, the Council commission a number of support services for families with additional needs, such as for victims of domestic abuse, mental health issues or drug abuse.

·       A member highlighted the fact that homeless people and rough sleepers face stigma and demonisation and the Committee heard that the ‘welcome’ for homeless people seeking support was key. Health is often the neutral entry point for homeless people and maintaining respect, whilst building confidence and trust was a way to reduce the stigma. The Lead Member for Homelessness agreed that dignity and tackling the stigma faced by homeless people should be an explicit part of the strategy.

After all questions had been asked and answers, the Committee noted the update.