An innovative scheme run by Groundswell has been shortlisted for the prestigious Andy Ludlow Awards.

Attending appointments with doctors, hospitals and others is crucial for people experiencing homelessness.  Groundswell’s Homeless Health Peer Advocacy Service offers one-to-one support for homeless people to attend health appointments; overcoming the barriers that prevent them addressing their health needs. Delivered by volunteers who all have personal experience of homelessness, this work increases adherence to treatment, and reduces use of A&E, missed appointment and unplanned admissions; which all results in improved health.

Bronwen James is the Development Manager as Groundswell UK.  She said: “This project really works.  Our volunteers with their personal experience of homelessness are able to build trusting relationships supporting homeless people to access healthcare.  And the training we offer our volunteers benefits them as well – almost half of those we worked with now have paid employment.”

John has volunteered with Groundswell as a volunteer on the project for nine months.  He said: “Volunteering at Groundswell has given me the confidence to get my life back on track and start working again. I get such a buzz from getting to know my clients and helping them to sort their health out.”

Simon Dow, Chair of the London Housing Foundation, said “All of our Andy Ludlow Awards shortlisted projects this year do an excellent job in different ways. It is encouraging that there is so much innovative and exciting work going on in the homelessness sector in London.”

For more information about Groundswell click here.

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