Health & Wellbeing

Being homeless takes its toll on a young person’s physical and mental health.

In fact, mental health problems can be one of the factors that lead a young person to become homeless in the first place.

Over 50% of the young people who are referred to The Rock Trust self-assess as having physical or mental health difficulties. Our support staff help the young people to overcome these, supporting young people with areas such as motivation and confidence building as well as facilitate the journey to mainstream health services.

If you are young person in need of support of this kind call us on our main number to see about accessing 1-1 art therapy sessions with our Health & Well-being worker, or attending our weekly Health & Well-being group.

Health – the facts

69% of homeless young people said they only eat two meals a day. Only 4% said they eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day (The Homeless Link Health Audit)

36% of homeless young people use cannabis while 6% reported drinking harmful levels (more than four times per week), and 34% reported drinking more than seven units each time they drink (The Homeless Link Health Audit)

We support our young people to live a healthy life in the following ways:

- Art therapy
- Healthy living workshops
- Drugs and alcohol advice
- Sexual health and healthy relationship support, including free condom schemes and information on STI screenings
- Emotional support, such as help with anger and conflict management

We make sure we also liaise with local providers to deliver targeted and specialist support that inspires and empowers our young people to address their individual health needs.