Public Health England (PHE) is inviting bids for a share of up to £1.9 million in funding to be awarded to projects involving partnerships between local authorities and Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) that test models aimed at improving access to health services for people who are sleeping rough.
Successful projects will focus on improving access to health services for people with co-occurring mental ill-health and substance misuse problems who are currently, or at risk of returning to, sleeping rough.
Previous research has established that 50 per cent of people sleeping rough in London in 2017-2018 had mental health needs. Alcohol misuse issues were reported in 43 per cent, while 40 per cent had drug misuse problems.
The deadline to submit an application is Friday, 5 July 2019, with successful projects announced later this year.
To support local authorities and CCGs groups to develop their applications for funding, PHE has also published guidance and further information on how to apply.
Commenting on the initiative, Rosanna O’Connor, PHE Director of Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco and Justice, said: “Without getting the vital help and support, they need to look after their health problems, some of the most vulnerable people in our communities face a ‘revolving door’ situation where they are repeatedly in and out of stable accommodation, while their health deteriorates.
“This funding will enable the testing of models that are effective in breaking this pattern and in helping people to turn their lives around,” she said.
Further information on the application process is available here.
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