Bromley GP Alliance (BGPA) is delighted to announce that its award-winning Homeless Health Project, which has been running successfully for the past three years, has secured funding from NHS South East London ICB to become an ongoing service.
Based at the United Reformed Church and delivered alongside Bromley Homeless Charity, the clinic provides on the day management for acute and chronic health care needs for people experiencing homelessness. Over the past three years, the service has grown through close working with local One Bromley partners and now offers access to a wide range of support, including podiatry, optometry, dentistry and other specialist support such as mental health.
What began as a volunteer-led GP Thursday Night Clinic during the winter months has grown into an established and highly valued service supporting some of Bromley’s most vulnerable residents. The initiative has evolved from a volunteer-run effort into a funded project and is now recognised as an essential health service. This funding will enable BGPA to expand its reach, supporting more individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and helping to ensure they can access the care they need.
The service not only addresses significant health inequalities but also demonstrates the success of collaborative working, bringing together healthcare partners and charitable organisations to deliver high-quality care. BGPA looks forward to building on the strong foundations already in place and continuing to work collaboratively with One Bromley partners and Bromley Homeless Charity to improve health outcomes for some of Bromley’s most vulnerable residents.
Dr Hasib Ur-Rub, Co-Chair of Bromley GP Alliance: “People experiencing homelessness are, internationally, poorly served for their health care needs, so it is very exciting that One Bromley has commissioned a homeless health service for clients living in the borough. This fills a much-needed gap for access to primary health care for this very vulnerable cohort of patients who may not want to or be able to access general practice services. The precursor to this service was a project by Bromley GP Alliance working in close collaboration with the Bromley Homeless and supported by One Bromley which demonstrate the benefit of such a service to, the clients and the overall health system in Bromley. This new service will build on the dedicated health HUB concept of being tailored, integrated and trauma informed to deliver an invaluable service to a marginalised population.”
Sarah Jackson, Nurse Practitioner, BGPA Homeless Health Service: “For the Bromley Homeless Health Project to now become an ongoing service is both a great achievement and a real assurance that this need has been recognised. People continue to present with serious and life changing health issues and I feel privileged to be able to work alongside Bromley Homeless Charity to make a true difference to people’s lives.”
Kim Sutton, Services Manager, Bromley Homeless Charity: “Watching this project move from a project to an ICB commissioned service feels like a moment when the work stopped being temporary and became sustainable. I am proud to have been part of making that happen.”
With this formal financial backing now in place, the team will work to extend its reach to the most vulnerable individuals across Bromley. The service aims to reduce the number of people experiencing homelessness presenting at A&E, attending GP practices where they are not registered, or relying on other urgent care services, by providing both initial and ongoing holistic care at Bromley’s United Reformed Church.
With continued support from our One Bromley partners and Bromley Homeless Charity, we will further develop the service to ensure that the right care is delivered at the right time and in the right place. Our mission is to provide a safe, compassionate service that meets the needs of all, regardless of an individual’s circumstances.