Health Promotion for People Experiencing Homelessness

Workshop 4

Des Ryan, Director

Edinburgh Cyrenians

What Workers Can Do

What is stopping us?

‘Health’ is for the experts We are too busy Health is not the priority We are not funded to do this Its against our beliefs

A Place of Opportunity?

Trusting, warm relationships Seeing all sides of the person A ‘captive audience’ Already helping

What Matters?

Immediate issues: e.g. sleep, food, worry, physical problems

…but how are you feeling?

individual and group approaches

Good Food in Tackling Homelessness

70% of street homeless suffering malnutrition

Food to 43 local charities Cooking classes Improving standards User involvement Promoted across Scotland

Developing Practice

1. Service policy – commitment

2. Training – developing an action plan

3. Bringing in support from health services

4. Review & evaluation

5. Training & support for staff in health promotion

We can make a difference