Young people experiencing homelessness are often in crisis – the uncertainty and instability of not having a safe place to stay, along with challenges in other practical areas of their lives are major stressors which contribute to feelings of depression, anxiety and stress, poor physical health, and unhealthy lifestyles. We have observed that people experiencing homelessness often experience chronic mental and physical health problems which go untreated, either because they don’t seek treatment or because they are excluded from accessing mainstream services. NHS mental health services are severely oversubscribed, with complex assessment processes and engagement ‘rules’ which mean they are either impossible for young people with complex needs to access, or unlikely to provide the right type of support. These are just some of the barriers we see young people facing.
Young people tell us that having someone they can trust, who they feel genuinely cares about them and will not let them down, is the most important factor in helping them to make positive changes to their lives. Our model is centred on building trusting relationships between health workers and young people, so they feel safe and supported to achieve their goals. Alongside this we help them to navigate complex systems, understand their healthcare rights, and have their voices heard.
Our health team came about in response to this significant area of need, which has been worsened by both the pandemic and cost of living crisis. Evidence shows that people experiencing homelessness often experience chronic mental and physical health problems which go untreated either because they don’t seek treatment or because they are excluded from accessing mainstream services. NHS mental health services for young people are severely oversubscribed, with long waiting lists, complex assessment processes and engagement ‘rules’ which mean that they are either impossible for young people with complex needs to access, or unlikely to provide the type of support a young person will successfully engage with.
New Horizon’s Health team was established in Spring 2022 with the specific target of providing trauma informed, short to long-term healthcare services to young people experiencing homelessness. The team includes a clinical lead, counsellors, a nurse practitioner, communication skills tutor and services manager. This team works together to deliver a trauma-informed approach across all New Horizon services, so that projects and programmes are designed to address the psychological and emotional needs of young people experiencing homelessness. This also includes the development of staff training, wellbeing, and reflective spaces. We’re also looking to expanding this team in the future.
We would like the evaluation to evidence the Health team’s unique approach to supporting young people; which aspects of the team’s approach and their services are effective in making a difference to young people; and the extent to which the Health team achieves their intended outcomes. We anticipate the work will begin in July 2024 and run until March 2025. The budget for this work is £20,000 inclusive of VAT and expenses.
- Deadline for bids: 1st July 2024
- Interview of shortlisted applicants: 8th July 2024
If you have any questions, please reach out via [email protected]
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