ROUGH SLEEPING & MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMME
PROBLEM
In 2019, there were 8,885 people sleeping rough in London. About half of those people have mental health needs, but many do not have access to the specialist support and treatment they need. These needs can often be complicated by a dual diagnosis with drug or alcohol use, and a collaborative and integrated approach is essential to providing effective support.
SOLUTION
The Rough Sleeping and Mental Health Programme (RAMHP) is a two-year pilot programme funded by the Greater London Authority and Ministry for Housing and Local Government which aims to support increased access to mental health services for people sleeping rough in 16 London boroughs, by building teams of mental health practitioners that work directly with outreach services.
IMPACT
Four RAMHP teams have been recruited to work across 16 boroughs in London, working in collaboration with outreach teams to support people off the street - some of who have been sleeping rough for 10-20 years.
MY ROLE
Programme Coordinator - bringing together representatives from Mental Health Trusts, Local Authorities, homelessness outreach teams and experts by experience to codevelop the team structures in four regions of London. Facilitating Steering Groups and liaising with the GLA to build constructive, sustainable relationships.