Westminster homeless health team showcases joined-up care as rough-sleeping funding expands

A specialist London NHS service has been highlighted as an example of joined-up homeless healthcare as the government commits a further £432 million to helping people leave the streets.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Chancellor John Healey visited The Connection at St Martin’s in Westminster, where Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust has maintained a clinical presence for around 30 years. Its homeless health team works alongside charities, housing services, social care professionals and local authorities to reach people who may struggle to access conventional NHS services.

Support is delivered in day centres, hostels, specialist GP practices and on the streets. It includes clinical assessments, counselling, health screening, flu vaccination, podiatry and help accessing dental and longer-term medical care. By treating health problems earlier and in familiar surroundings, the service also aims to reduce avoidable use of A&E.

The additional £432 million will support the national Rough Sleeping Programme during 2027–28 and 2028–29, extending assistance beyond the current winter. It follows £442 million announced previously and will help local and mayoral authorities provide accommodation, intensive support and longer-term routes away from rough sleeping. Individual funding allocations have not yet been confirmed.

Although the money has not been awarded specifically to the Westminster NHS service, its work demonstrates why accommodation alone is rarely enough. People sleeping rough frequently need healthcare, mental health support, social care and help securing a stable home to be coordinated around them if they are to recover and avoid returning to the streets.

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