The legal framework of homelessness, and how clinicians can help
Paul Hamlin, Project Manager from Pathway gives an introduction to some of the legal basics around homelessness and gives some practical advice on how clinicians can help.
Here are the useful resources mentioned by Paul:
Homeless Link Service Finder:
https://www.homeless.org.uk/search-homelessness-services
Shelter: overview of emergency measures introduced to deal with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that are relevant to homelessness:
Shelter Helpline: 0808 800 4444
Advice for people experiencing homelessness
Available 8am – 8pm on weekdays, 9am – 5pm on weekends
https://england.shelter.org.uk/get_help
NHAS: 0300 330 0517
Advice for professionals
Available between 9am – 6pm (8am – 6pm during COVID)
https://www.nhas.org.uk/professionals/advice-line
NRPF network – (No Recourse to Public Funds) Network: A national network safeguarding the welfare of destitute families, adults and care leavers who are unable to access benefits due to their immigration status.
https://www.nrpfnetwork.org.uk/
Groundswell – Coronavirus advice for people experiencing homelessness
https://groundswell.org.uk/coronavirus/
NHAS – Free Training for Staff
https://www.nhas.org.uk/training/nhas-free-training
Letter from Minister for Rough Sleeping on funding for emergency accommodation during the pandemic, and support for EEA rough sleepers: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/928775/24-6-20_-_Letter_to_All_LAs_with_annexes.pdf
More on Pathway Teams:
https://www.pathway.org.uk/about-us/what-we-do/model-overview/
https://www.pathwaysocialfranchise.org/what-we-do
More on evidencing medical ‘vulnerability’ under the HRA: https://www.nhas.org.uk/docs/NHAS_Vulnerability_Guide_2019.pdf
Pathway resources on the legal ‘Duty to Refer’:
https://www.pathway.org.uk/about-us/what-we-do/knowledge-share/homelessness-reduction-act/
Homelessness Code of Guidance for local authorities. Recently updated in response to COVID:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/homelessness-code-of-guidance-for-local-authorities
