Homeless people and mental ill health

St Mungo's believes that homelessness is usually a symptom of more fundamental problems. Many rough sleepers are either mentally ill, physically ill, heavy drinkers or drug users

Our clients often have difficult family backgrounds and may lack support networks when trying to deal with problems. Rough sleepers have often found it difficult to sustain close ties with others, and the break-up of a relationship is the most common trigger for going on the street.

Mental ill health can be both a cause and a consequence of rough sleeping and homelessness. In 2009, our 40th anniversary year, we initiated a Call for Evidence about the links between mental health and street homelessness.

Read our Down and Out? report and also our Happiness Matters - Full Report - the latter based on peer research among our clients.

If you want to join us in campaigning on this issue click here

Our impact

• In 2011-12 we helped nearly 2,000 people who had mental health and/or substance use problems
• 75% of clients with mental health conditions have received specialist support treatment
• 143 clients with complex needs were referred to our LifeWorks psychotherapy service in 2011-12, achieving a 72% attendance