London Homeless Health Access Card

As part of my job in London, I am Senior Responsible Officer for Homeless Health across London which means I support a small Healthy London Partnership team, homeless care providers and the voluntary sector to make sure that anyone with no-fixed-abode can get access to relevant NHS services.

The Homeless Health Board commissioned some partners and people who had the lived experience of being homeless, in order to undertake many listening events across London.

During these events it became clear that one of the main challenges was making sure anyone with no fixed abode was able to acesss an NHS GP, pharmacy, dentist and optician.

As a result of the incredibly powerful feedback, the same partnership went on the produced a useful card, reminding NHS services that anyone with no fixed abode can be registered.

Please see the attached photo.

The feedback even shaped the content - keep it simple, and the production of the card - made in plastic so it doesn't perish.

Through this ongoing partnership, we have the privilege of working with some incredible charities and volunteers who are truly inspirational by working in some very challenging venues and conditions. We also have the honour of meeting with and listening to some of the most humbling people who now find themselves homeless.

Remember, we are each only 3 paydays away from being homeless.