Introduction

Thousands of individuals in the United Kingdom are homeless on any night, making homelessness a significant problem. Due to their socioeconomic status and lack of access to healthcare, this community is at risk of suffering health inequities. This paper aims to examine the healthcare requirements of homeless people in the United Kingdom and suggest a public health intervention to meet those needs. The paper’s first section is a synopsis of the data we have on people experiencing homelessness in the UK in terms of their demographics, living situations, and health consequences. We will explore why it is essential to conduct an HNA, focusing on the knowledge gaps that will be filled and the possible gains that will be made. A detailed procedure for completing the HNA, including the suggested strategy, goals and objectives, data-gathering techniques, stakeholder participation, and prioritization of identified requirements, will be included in the final report. The research will conclude with a recommendation for a public health intervention to meet the homeless population’s stated needs: the establishment of mobile healthcare clinics to offer medical and mental health services to people experiencing homelessness. Evidence from the existing literature will back up the suggested intervention, and an evaluation strategy will be laid out. The overarching goal of this paper is to provide a detailed process for implementing a focused public health intervention to better the health outcomes of the UK’s homeless population(Liu & Marmot, p.373).

Current Understanding

Around 280,000 individuals in England are either homeless or in danger of becoming homeless, and this figure has been rising gradually over the last several years, as reported by Shelter UK. Due to factors like inadequate nutrition, restricted access to healthcare services, and exposure to environmental dangers, including harsh weather conditions, the homeless population is at a greater risk of suffering poor health outcomes than the general population.

Another way that homelessness may negatively affect one’s mental health and well-being is via its association with social isolation. Physical and sexual assault are two forms of violence that may be more common among the homeless population. Poverty, joblessness, mental illness, substance abuse, and broken families are just some of the factors that may lead to homelessness. Affordable housing, access to healthcare and social services, and help for mental health and addiction are all part of the solution to the problem of homelessness. The government of the United Kingdom has launched many programs to help people without homes find affordable accommodation and access to social services. In addition to government programs, charities, and NGOs play a critical role in ensuring that those experiencing homelessness have access to necessities like food, shelter, and medical treatment. Yet there is still more to be done to address the root causes of homelessness and guarantee that those living on the streets can access the services and support they need to stay healthy. Policymakers and practitioners may better protect this vulnerable group by learning from ongoing research and assessment of initiatives to reduce homelessness and its related health concerns.

Rationale

To determine the unique health requirements of the UK’s homeless population and to design effective programs to meet those requirements, an HNA is required. There is a current information gap about the healthcare requirements of the homeless population, especially about barriers to treatment and the social determinants of health. To address these gaps and determine where interventions are needed to enhance health outcomes for this group, an HNA should be conducted. Additionally, an HNA may give vital information to healthcare doctors and social service groups serving people who are homeless and can aid in informing policy and resource allocation choices. An HNA may assist in making sure that healthcare services and interventions are targeted to the particular requirements of people experiencing homelessness by recognizing those needs. In addition to addressing the health concerns of the homeless population, an HNA may assist in dispelling myths and prejudices about those living on the streets. Final health outcomes and health disparities for the UK’s homeless people may be improved with the help of an HNA.

The Homeless National Assessment (HNA) for the UK’s homeless population should be carried out in a manner that is culturally sensitive to and acceptable for this community if it is to accomplish these aims. This may include adopting trauma-informed research methodologies, giving incentives for participation, and providing interpreters. The resear