An excellent application focusing on a health and wellbeing approach to homelessness in Somerset. Assessors were impressed by the application in respect to clarity of language and the scale of the activity undertaken and the passion of its members, who clearly want to make a difference. 

RSPH Health & Wellbeing Awards Assessor

I am so proud of the collaborative approach that has been taken to support homeless and rough sleeper health and wellbeing across Somerset, and I am absolutely delighted that it has been shortlisted for this award.

In Somerset, we have a developing understanding of the needs of those experiencing multiple disadvantage and homelessness. Supporting the needs of this cohort is complicated, with many having recurring mental ill health, substance dependence and physical health needs. 

The team has excellently demonstrated the value of a collaborative approach when tackling complex health inequalities, and as a result their approach has had a positive outcome on the housing, outreach, and accommodation services within the County. Additionally, this collaborative approach has tackled health protection issues by pursuing a comprehensive Covid-19 protect and vaccinate offer, offering dried blood spot tests and screening for HCV, providing treatment where required and securing NHS HEPP funding to fund a Homeless Nursing Team.

All this has re-framed ‘homelessness’ from a ‘housing’ issue, to one of a health and wellbeing concern for Somerset, and whilst there is much still to do, I am honoured to see this valuable work taking place.
 

Trudi Grant, Director of Public Health, Somerset County Council

As a provider of acute, mental health and community health services we were aware that we needed to improve the health offer to the homeless and rough sleeping population of Somerset. We had over 3,000 missed appointments across our services each year, equating to a huge misplaced resource, as well as it not providing the healthcare to these patients that they required. Rich Painter, our Director of Safeguarding worked collaboratively with Andy Lloyd in Public Health to make a successful  bid for funding from the NHSE Health Equalities Partnership Programme. The pilot was a real success and Rich made the business case for the project to become a permanent new countywide nursing service. The business case was wholeheartedly supported by our Trust Exec Team and the emerging Integrated Care Board. The new Homeless and Rough Sleeping Nursing Service launched in September 2021.The success of the pilot and the new ‘place based’ nursing service is enhanced by the ongoing collaboration between housing, health, social care and VCSE partners working the Homelessness Reduction Board, to ensure the most appropriate, needs led and accessible service is provided to respond to ongoing health needs and provide early intervention, thus being a perfect example of how as a collaborating county we have addressed health inequalities and have a new service fit for the future.

Peter Lewis, Chief Executive, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and Yeovil District Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

As housing services we are delighted that Somerset has been shortlisted for this award. The Pandemic taught us many things, and this included the importance of collaborative working to support the most vulnerable. The success of this collaboration, at homeless and rough sleeper accommodation across Somerset West and Taunton, enabled us to avoid any Covid deaths. In addition, it enabled us to provide wrap-around support that resulted in a significant increase in the number of people who we were able to move on from crisis to settled accommodation. The homeless and rough sleeping nursing service played a significant role in this, addressing and supporting health concerns in a timely manner, with the support of related health, care and housing services. We are delighted that this pilot work has now been rolled out across the county. The Somerset Homelessness Reduction Board continues to fly the flag for collaborative working. There is still much to do. The nursing service will continue to feature as a key component of integrated service delivery. 

Cllr Francesca Smith, Somerset Strategic Housing Group & Executive member for Housing, Somerset West and Taunton Council