Keeping us safer: support for women’s homelessness
Today, 10 December, marks Human Rights Day and brings to a close the 16 days of action against gender-based violence. To mark the day we share how we’re supporting our colleagues, and other staff within the homelessness and women’s sector, to provide the best support for females who are also survivors of domestic abuse and […]
Having difficult conversations about grief and loss
This National Grief Awareness Week, Catherine our Bereavement Support Coordinator explains her role in helping our staff and the people we support through our Bereavement Support Service. Bereavement is cited in the top 10 reasons that contribute to homelessness. This is why it’s so important to be with the people we support as they process […]
Lived experience of dual diagnosis
David, shares his experience of homelessness as well as overcoming alcohol abuse and mental health struggles. I’ve had depression, anxiety and OCD intrusive thoughts since I was around 9 years old. It was pretty scary at that age, as I had no idea of what was going on. I remember feeling apart or different from […]
A Mental Health Act that works for vulnerable people
This week we submitted our views to the public consultation on reforming the Mental Health Act. Emma Cookson, our Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer, outlines what we want the legislation to remember about people who are homeless experiencing mental ill health. How many people who are homeless do you think suffer from mental ill […]
World Social Work Day: “I am because we are”
Today (16 March 2021) is World Social Work Day, which recognises the hard work and dedication of social workers, as well as celebrating best practices in social work. This year, the theme of World Social Work Day is “Ubuntu”. Here, Toni-Lea John-Baptiste, a student social worker on placement with St Mungo’s, discusses the concept of […]
The Independent Review on Drugs is an opportunity for bold change
Today, St Mungo’s put forward a written submission to the Independent Review on Drugs by Dame Carol Black. Here Emma Cookson, Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer at St Mungo’s explains what this review means and the primary calls St Mungo’s is making towards it. This is the second part of the review which is […]
The power of peer mentoring
In this challenging time, it is more important than ever to look after your own mental health, as well as look out for the people around you. Here, we are highlighting the incredible work of our volunteers. During lockdown they have adapted how they work to carry on supporting our vulnerable clients with their mental […]
Knocked Back: A tragic loss of human potential
Our Knocked Back report revealed that at least 12,000 people who are homeless are missing out on potentially life-saving drug and alcohol treatment. Oliver Standing, Director of Collective Voice, reflects on the report’s findings. Collective Voice is the national alliance of drug and alcohol treatment charities, whose members collectively support 200,000 people every year. A […]
What must be done to prevent homeless deaths
Following the news of an increase in deaths among people who are sleeping rough or in emergency accommodation, Rory Weal, Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer for St Mungo’s, discusses what must be done to combat this rising trend. Today we heard the news that 726 people died while sleeping rough or in emergency accommodation last year. This is […]
Should we talk about death?
Our Palliative Care Coordinator Andy Knee poses this important question and highlights the innovative ways our Palliative Care Service is supporting clients who are at risk of death or in need of bereavement support. Should we talk about death? In St Mungo’s Palliative Care team, we think the simple answer to this question is yes. Death is something that […]
