Saint Francis Hospice has set up a homeless project to help ensure some of the most vulnerable people in our local community are able to access the end of life care and support they need.
Ann Dalgliesh, a Senior Nurse at the Hospice, is leading the 18-month project which will be breaking down the health care barriers that people experiencing homelessness often face.
“As well as suffering from poorer physical and mental health and being at risk of long-term health problems, health services are also difficult to access without a fixed address,” said Ann.
The project will be providing onsite support for staff at local hostels and family members and reach out to people who may be rough sleeping at a family or friend’s house and engaging them so they can access the healthcare services they need more easily.
The first half of the project will focus on developing strong relationships with agencies working with homeless people in Havering to make it easier for them to be referred to the Hospice. The last nine months will concentrate on the boroughs of Barking and Dagenham and Redbridge.
An important part of Ann’s role involves education and she will be working with local hostels, healthcare organisations, as well as the family and friends of homeless people, so they have a better understanding of why end of life care is so important and how the Hospice can make a difference to their lives.
For more information, please contact: 01708 753319 ext. 2211, marcomms@sfh.org.uk, or visit www.sfh.org.uk
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