The Homeless Health Peer Advocate program began from a pilot in 2023, which sought to utilise the expertise & knowledge of those with lived experience of homelessness to improve health outcomes & health engagement of those experiencing homelessness & people at risk of homelessness within the Foyle area.
The service aims to improve health outcomes for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness through increased engagement. This includes both mental and physical health and comorbidities that often accompany this such as addiction.
Peer Advocates can support individuals by accompanying them to appointments in order to advocate and help them understand the appointment, supporting and encouraging them to address their health needs, working alongside services to make them more accessible to our service user group and working towards building more independent engagement with health services.
– – Support clients to arrange, attend and understand health appointments.
– Give practical support for follow up appointments and hospital stays.
– Support clients to find out information about health and health services.
– Support clients to address their health issues.
– Take steps to build clients confidence and independence.
We are an outreach service that works within the Foyle area. Our office is in the Foyle Haven Day Centre.
Homeless Health Peer Advocate Program – Derry/ Londonderry
Foyle Haven Day Centre 23A John St Londonderry / Derry BT48 6JY
Phone: 07355616708 or 02871365259
Email: chloe.deeny@depaulcharity.net
