Broadway Homelessness and Support

Charity Awards

'Bringing health to homelessness'

The average life expectancy for homeless people is only 42 years. They suffer from bad health and are 40 times less likely to be registered with a GP than most other people. The Broadway Centre in west London houses a hostel, flats and a range of services for homeless people. A vital part of the centre is the Healthy Living Centre.

Head of fundraising and communications, Cathryn Oldman, says: ‘These health needs are acute. If we can’t address these problems then we can’t help them make that journey from the street to a home of their own.’

Now entering its third year, the centre provides access to a range of health services including a nurse, an optician, a podiatrist, a tuberculosis nurse and a GP. There is a mental health worker, and a range of complementary therapies such as acupuncture and massage. People with drink or drug addictions can be referred to substance misuse projects.

Oldman explains that taking health services to homeless people rather than expecting them to seek it out themselves is crucial. She says: ‘Some people are scared of personal interaction. Some find it intimidating to go to a GP or they might not want to be touched. Our staff can engage with them and build up trust before they introduce them to the health service. And we can act as advocates for our clients with health professionals.’

Broadway is now seeing the results of its work as individuals are beginning to rebuild their lives and move towards finding homes and jobs.

Howard Sinclair
Chief executive
Chaucer House
White Hart Yard
London
SE1 1NX
020 7089 9535
Reg no. 274403
www.broadwaylondon.org

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