Health Inclusion

It is acknowledged nationally that ‘homelessness is a health crisis’ and as such addressing the mental and physical health of homeless clients at the same time as addressing their homeless presentation is critical for their recovery. Over recent years Light for Life have developed their health inclusion model to address complex health issues for homeless clients. Working with critical partners in hospital and primary care Light for Life support clients to re-engage with primary care services and reduce their presentations at hospital A and E.

In addition many homeless clients present with unresolved Adverse Childhood Experiences [ACE’s] which are captured by the ‘Your Story’ model we have introduced.

The ‘Your Story’ model allows the client to describe [often for the first time] what happened and how they have had to cope with previous trauma in their lives and how this ‘trauma memory’ still influences their behaviour today. Based on this Light for Life have developed a trauma-counselling service for clients in emergency and temporary accommodation to address this often overlooked but so important part of their homelessness story.

Finally, responding to what clients have asked for, Light for Life have also commissioned ‘Dentaid’ to provide a dental service for clients in acute dental pain.

In recent years this more inclusive model of homelessness has been recognised regionally [Northern Housing Awards 2026]; Nationally by The Nursing Times [2026] and finally by the HSJ awards [2026] as a leading example of best practice.