Frailty is a significant but often overlooked issue among people experiencing homelessness; recent research by Pathway Fellow Jo Dawes at UCL, shows that 45% of homeless people aged under 59 are living with frailty.
To respond to this challenge and to inform neighbourhood health services around the country, Pathway is leading a new project in Lewisham to design a new frailty service model for people facing homelessness.
Forming part of wider neighbourhood health developments in Lewisham, the project will focus on people who experience frailty but do not meet the age-based eligibility criteria for existing services. The initiative is being delivered in partnership with South East London Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Lewisham Council, with funding from the London Homelessness Foundation.
Pathway will work closely with clinicians, commissioners, voluntary and community sector organisations, and people with lived experience of homelessness to assess current services and identify opportunities for improvement. The project will map existing support, identify gaps in provision and develop recommendations to strengthen local services.
Frailty is at the heart of the Government’s plans for the neighbourhood health agenda, but too little has been done to recognise the need to develop a response to premature frailty, particularly among those who are homeless or face multiple disadvantage. Building on its track record of developing specialist models of care for people facing homelessness, Pathway aims to fill this gap.
Alex Bax, Chief Executive Officer at Pathway UK, said:
“We are delighted to have received this funding from the London Homelessness Foundation to develop a way of responding to frailty among homeless individuals.
“This project aims to show how new neighbourhood health services can address the national priority on frailty while meeting the needs of their most underserved population.
“The London Borough of Lewisham and South East London ICB have been ahead of the curve in recognising that responding to frailty in this population can’t wait for old age. We’re proud to be working with them, alongside the local voluntary and community sector.”
Jack Howell, Delivery Manager at South East London ICB, said:
“People experiencing homelessness often develop frailty much earlier than the general population, yet traditional services are not always designed around their needs.
“This project gives us an opportunity to test a different approach; one that brings together health, care, housing and community partners to provide more proactive, person-centred support.”
Ian Brady, Executive Chair at the London Homelessness Foundation, added:
“We are very proud at LHF to be able to support Pathway. This is an innovative pilot project targeting vulnerable people and bringing together health, social care and local government expertise and resources. We look forward to hearing about the team’s progress and achievements.”
The partnership hopes the findings could help shape future neighbourhood health models that are more inclusive and responsive to the needs of vulnerable populations, while improving health outcomes and reducing inequalities across the borough of Lewisham.
To find out more contact dee.oconnell@pathway.org.uk or e.thomson@nhs.net