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Health

Good health is something most of us take for granted but its a barrier for homeless people trying to move away from the streets and build independent lives. We offer short and long-term health-based initiatives for vendors.

In 1996, one of our vendors, Stevie Smith, died from a drug-related health problem. In 1996 that could easily have been treated by antibiotics. He was just the latest in a long line of vendors who had died unnecessarily. We were angry and decided to do something about it.

We carried out three pieces of research, including Health Matters, which revealed that 59% of vendors considered themselves to have a limiting long-term illness, while 29% said they weren't registered with a GP, and 41% found it difficult to gain access to a GP.

In Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds links have been forged with local health services to ensure that vendors are able to access treatment. Treatment doesn’t just concentrate on conventional clinical care: vendors have access to a range of alternative therapies through Therapeutic Services, including auricular acupuncture and shiatsu massage. A strong emphasis is also placed on mental health, particularly in projects like the Men’s Health Group which explores issues around young men and depression.

Crucial to the well-being of vendors are the toilets, laundry and shower facilities (currently Manchester only), and a free supply of fruit and water.

Breakfast Clubs
The breakfast services act as a welcome start to the day for many service users, particularly in winter for those who have been sleeping rough. They are often also a place for other agencies to meet and support rough sleepers in the city centre.

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