Homeless Connect is proposing the development of a Health Sub-Group (HSG) within its Policy Forum to bring together members of the sector and develop a shared understanding of the health inequalities experienced by people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

The sub-group will work to identify gaps in service provision and practice, promote evidence-based policy and advocate for integrated approaches that improve access to healthcare, mental health support, substance use services and wider social determinants of health. The sub-group seeks to ensure that health and homelessness policies are aligned, informed by lived experience, and focused on improving outcomes for some of the most vulnerable individuals in society. It is anticipated that this group will also work to co-develop Homeless Connect positions on health-related consultations and dialogue in external forums relating to health and homelessness.

This group will be led by Dr Leeanne O’Hara, our Homeless Connect Policy and Public Affairs Officer, working across Health and Justice. We are asking at this stage for expressions of interest to join the sub-group. We would particularly welcome those working on the frontline or specifically in the area of health and wellbeing. We anticipate this group will meet twice per year in the first instance and will feed into the Homeless Connect Policy Forum.

To express interest, please contact Leeanne O’Hara at
leeanne.ohara@homelessconnect.org

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.