27/03/2015

Homeless People Not Receiving Proper Support

Homeless people are not receiving the care and support they need, according to a report by the Patient and Client Council.

The report also revealed many homeless people face barriers when accessing Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Services.

Chief Executive of the Patient and Client Council, Maeve Hully, is calling for more to be done to address the health inequalities that are faced everyday by people who are homeless.

She said: "Real difficulties exist when it comes to accessing Health and Social Care, including GPs and mental health services. Often, people don't have enough information about services and where to get them.

"There are some examples of good work being done but the focus needs to be on better coordination and services that reflect the realities of people who do not have a permanent address.

"The Patient and Client Council will continue working with the many community and voluntary organisations who help people who are homeless, to have their voices heard on Health and Social Care."

(CD)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

29 September 2021
£8.7m Boost For Mental Health Services
Charitable and community mental health services are set to benefit from a new £8.7 million support grant, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced.
04 February 2009
NI Health Care Provision 'Shrinks'
The long-awaited reorganisation of health and social care provision has today moved a step ahead with details published of the new organisations. Northern Ireland Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has confirmed the names by which the slimmed-down list of bodies will be known.
04 November 2019
Shock As Vehicle Rammed On Homeless Charity Building
A building operated by a homeless charity in Belfast has been damaged by a vehicle rammed through its front. Police are seeking witnesses to the incident at the Welcome Organisation on Townsend Street at roughly 12.45am this morning, Monday 04 November. The centre provides life-saving services to the homeless population in Belfast.
29 June 2022
Mental Health Service Waiting Times 'Deeply Concerning'
Sinn Féin have said that the number of children and young people waiting on referrals for mental health services is "deeply concerning". The party's spokesperson for Mental Health, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, was speaking after figures showed that 557 young people are waiting for a referral in the Belfast Trust, while two Trusts did not have records.
20 June 2019
Waiting Lists For Mental Health Services Rise
An Ulster Unionist MLA has warned that growing delays in accessing mental health treatment could be damaging for children and young people in Northern Ireland.