People who have experienced homelessness are more likely to have poor physical and mental health than the general population. Poor mental and physical health is both a cause and consequence of homelessness. Chronic and multiple health needs are common and often go untreated. Homeless people are also far more vulnerable to issues relating to alcohol and drug use. Multiple health needs alongside drug and alcohol use can act as a barrier to accessing mainstream health services, and as a result often end up using more costly primary healthcare services.

Physical health

78% of homeless people report having a physical health condition. 37% for the general population. (source: Health Needs Audit, 2016 - Homeless Link)

Homeless people are over twice as likely to report a physical health issue then the general public (Health Needs Audit, 2016 - Homeless Link). Conditions usually associated with older age are more common showing the impact homelessness has on health. Homeless people are seven times more likely to die from falls at an average age of just 45 (Homelessness Kills, 2012).

Mental health

44% of homeless people have a mental health diagnoses, in comparison with 23% of the general population. (source: Health Needs Audit, 2016 - Homeless Link)

Homelessness is a stressful, lonely and often traumatic experience which has a major impact on mental health ('I was all on my own', 2015 and It’s No Life At All, 2016). Serious mental health issues such as schizophrenia, bipolar and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are far more common amongst homeless people (Health Needs Audit, 2016 and The unhealthy state of homelessness, 2014). Suicide rates are nine times higher demonstrating the very real need of effective support for homeless people (Homelessness Kills, 2012).

Alcohol and drug use

41% use drugs and alcohol to cope with mental health issues (source: The unhealthy state of homelessness, 2014 - Homeless Link)

Homeless people are far more vulnerable to issues relating to alcohol and drug use. Multiple diagnosis of substance and mental health issues can be a barrier to services (The unhealthy state of homelessness, 2014). Rates of alcohol and drug use are four times higher than in the general population.

Severe and multiple disadvantage and access to health services

Over 120,000 people experience homelessness as well as one or more other forms of disadvantage

Two thirds of the homeless population experience severe and multiple disadvantage such as substance misuse or offending behaviour. These issues create barriers to accessing services as it can be difficult to get the specialist support they need or services may be unwilling to provide support (Hard Edges, Lankelly Trust Foundation 2015 (PDF)). As result of these barriers, homeless people are more likely to use acute/A&E health services which are less able to support all their health needs whilst costing £85 million a year (The unhealthy state of homelessness, 2014).