This report presents the findings of new research into the health needs of people sleeping rough in England and their vulnerability to Covid-19, and the approach taken to address the health and housing needs of this group during the pandemic. The report is also informed by our detailed knowledge as a service provider and by the lived experience of our clients.

Covid-19 has exposed, and in some cases exacerbated existing health inequalities in the UK. People who are homeless have worse health than most, and yet they find it harder to get the healthcare they need. During the pandemic, the Government rightly recognised the significant threat to health posed by sleeping on the street and in communal shelters. Through focusing on getting ‘everyone in’ and providing safe accommodation, many lives were saved. Furthermore, it connected people sleeping rough to the care, support and treatment they desperately need. Everyone In has redefined what can be achieved when there is a singular shared goal of saving lives.

But now, together, we need to build on the successes of Everyone In, and make sure that the principles of joint working become the norm. This is a once in a generation chance to make the changes needed to end rough sleeping.

This briefing presents evidence and lessons from our Hospital Discharge Network, which offers safe temporary accommodation and clinical support for people who are homeless and leaving hospital. St Mungo’s Hospital Discharge Network was established in June 2014 as part of the £10m Department of Health Homeless Hospital Discharge Fund.

This submission is part of the St Mungo’s evidence to NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) on severe mental health and substance use. This summary of our expert testimony to the NICE Public Health Advisory Committee provides information about our work with clients who need support with their mental health and substance use.

In this report, commissioned by St Mungo’s, the Mental Health Foundation has reviewed the evidence available on Psychologically Informed Environments (PIEs) in UK homelessness settings.

PIEs are conscious of the mental health needs of the people that inhabit them. In the context of homelessness this means that in hostels and relevant care environments there is an awareness of the mental health problems of the homeless people using the services, and how the environment may affect their mental health positively or negatively.

The report shows that PIEs are a promising development with evidence indicating that they work. However, it also concludes that further research is needed, particularly into the factors contributing to the successful implementation of PIEs and how to measure outcomes.

This briefing looks at how the innovative Lifeworks psychotherapy project is helping homeless people recover from homelessness.

St Mungo’s findings about the links between homelessness and mental ill health.