Providing adequate healthcare to someone who is homeless can be extremely difficult for health providers. Some people do not stay in one place for long, others have a deep mistrust of authority, or simply do not consider their health to be a priority, and so, do not seek help. The stark reality is that the mean age of death for someone who is homeless is thirty years lower than the average for the general population.
With blood-borne diseases like Hepatitis C disproportionately affecting the homeless and those who inject drugs, it is imperative that those who work with vulnerable people, and who are in a position to gain their trust, implement a strategy to reach them.
The good news is that there is a wonderful charity called The Hepatitis C Trust who are on a mission to do just that. With treatment, Hepatitis C can be cured and so teaming up with charities like ourselves, The Hepatitis C Trust plan to eradicate this disease from the UK by 2030. They believe, like we do, that everyone has a right to access health services and that everyone at risk of Hepatitis C in the UK has the right to receive effective testing, treatment and care.
And so, once a month, The Hepatitis C Trust offer a drop-in session at House of Bread where our friends can get the information and healthcare provision they need. If you would like more information about the drop-in sessions please call House of Bread on 01785 243492.