Overview
Homeless and high intensity users (HIU) service
Homeless service
We provide health services for vulnerable groups, including:
- people experiencing homelessness
- rough sleepers
- vulnerably housed people
- people with no recourse to public funds
- people with addictions
Our homeless service is for Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark.
We're a nurse-led specialist community team.
Our team provides a range of free and confidential services, including:
- a full health assessment
- screening for blood borne viruses, sexual health and cervical screening
- contraception advice
- routine blood tests
- treatment for minor illnesses, wounds or injuries
- advice on how to manage long-term diseases
- advice and intervention for people who suffer from long-term pain related to traumatic experiences
- health promotion
- street outreach health service and street outreach team for rough sleepers
We can also make referrals to other services when needed.
High intensity users (HIU)
We provide non-clinical support for people who attend the emergency department (A&E) more than expected (high intensity users). This includes those with:
- social issues
- housing issues
- issues accessing healthcare
- other personal situations
Our HIU service is for Lambeth and Southwark.
We provide this service through:
- phone calls
- home visits
- coaching
- various other ways of engagement that build human connection
We can also make referrals to other services when needed.
If we think you need our help, we'll phone you to offer our support.
We'll speak up on your behalf, and provide you with:
- emotional support
- mindfulness and relaxation techniques
- support at your appointments
- coaching and motivational support
- referrals to other services that can help you
We'll discuss your goals with you and help you achieve them.
We can:
- visit you where you live
- talk to you on the phone
We'll usually work with you for 3 months, but we can work with you for longer if you need it.
Health information
Homeless organisations
- London Network of Nurses and Midwives Homelessness Group, supporting professionals working in inclusion health
- Thames Reach London Street Rescue, providing information on how to refer a rough sleeper to a street outreach team
- Homeless Link, for organisations working directly with people who become homeless in England
- Queen's Nurisng Institute Homeless Health Programme, supporting community nurses to care for people experiencing homelessness
Research and clinical trials
Research is vital to improving the care that you receive when you're unwell. You can help improve healthcare by taking part in research studies at our Trust. During your appointment, ask your healthcare professional about research. They'll be happy to tell you about research studies you could be eligible to join.
Last updated: January 2024
