Mental Health and Homelessness: A Crisis Within a Crisis
Mental health problems are far more prevalent among people experiencing homelessness than in the general population. Studies suggest that more than 70% of people sleeping rough have a mental health condition. In Brighton, where homelessness rates are among the highest outside London, ensuring that homeless individuals can access mental health support is a critical priority.
Barriers to Mental Health Support for Homeless People
Despite the high prevalence of mental health problems among homeless people, accessing treatment is extremely difficult. Without a fixed address, registering with a GP can be challenging. Many mental health services require a GP referral. The chaotic nature of life without a home makes it hard to attend appointments consistently. Stigma and a lack of trust in services — often rooted in past negative experiences — also prevent people from seeking help.
Specialist Services in Brighton
Brighton and Hove has developed several specialist services to overcome these barriers. The Rough Sleepers Mental Health team works specifically with people sleeping on the streets, providing outreach, assessment, and treatment that comes to the individual rather than requiring them to navigate complex systems. Street triage services allow mental health professionals to attend alongside police when they encounter someone in mental health crisis. The Complex Needs Service supports those with the most severe and overlapping needs.
The Role of Seaside CIC
Seaside CIC plays an important role in supporting the mental health of people experiencing homelessness in Brighton. We take a holistic, person-centred approach — recognising that a person’s housing, mental health, addiction, and social situation are all interconnected. We work to connect individuals with appropriate mental health services and provide ongoing support throughout their recovery journey.
How You Can Help
Supporting organisations like Seaside CIC enables us to continue providing mental health support to Brighton’s homeless community. You can also help by treating homeless people with dignity and respect, challenging stigma in your community, and advocating for better-funded mental health services.
Contact Seaside CIC if you or someone you know needs mental health support alongside homelessness assistance in Brighton.
