Mental health and homelessness

Being homeless is a traumatic experience

Homelessness is an emotionally and physically painful and lonely experience that has a lasting impact on mental health.

In fact, over 60% of our clients have identified issues with their mental health. Only 25% of the general population experience a mental health problem each year.

We believe that everyone deserves the space, time and help they need to process trauma, develop better coping mechanisms and improve their mental health and quality of life.

Therapy

Therapy can provide a critical lifeline for anyone needing to make sense of what’s happening in their life now and in the past, think about what they want for themselves and how they can move forward.

Our specialist teams work closely with our clients every day to build trust and connections, find better ways to cope with feelings and fears and improve wellbeing.

Opportunities Programme

Our Opportunities Programme provides collaborative and creative ways for people experiencing homelessness to build on their strengths and talents, take an active part, learn, share and grow.

The programme offers arts, gardening, music and sports activities as well as therapy. The positive life experiences gained, and healthy relationships developed, provide a renewed sense of hope, confidence and possibility. These often serve as a turning point for our clients in their recovery.

Jason's story

When Jason, 50, left his family home after his relationship ended, he became tangled up in the system that was meant to support him. This is how we helped him find his way out. Read more

Gary's story

Gary, 57, loves his bike. It’s more than just a means of transport for him. It’s a symbol of his new-found confidence, strength and hope as he moves, (or in this case pedals), towards a brighter future. Read more

Psychological Therapies

We recognise that a significant barrier to our clients moving on with their lives is past and recurring trauma. By offering psychotherapy to people who have been homeless or are vulnerable to becoming homeless, we are addressing some of the underlying causes of homelessness. Read more

Latest

Victor's story

Victor has used the support of Single Homeless Project to help him build a career in personal training and bodybuilding. With this help, he's proved that your past doesn't define you.
How much does it cost to run the Royal Parks Half Marathon?

Every year the Royal Parks Half Marathon holds a free ballot, which if you are lucky enough costs £59 to secure your place.
Why is it hard for someone who is homeless to get a job?

Getting a job is hard. But, for people who are homeless, it is far more difficult since there are significant structural barriers in their way. We dig into what these are and what we are doing to address them.
A Survivor Speaks: A Story of Domestic Abuse, Opening Up and Getting Support

From having someone there to listen and show there are other options, to not being judged or pushed into speaking out, a survivor shares their experience of support and highlights the importance of support.

When will the results of the London Marathon 2022 ballot be announced?

There is a free public ballot for the 2022 event and the results will be announced on Monday 14th March. But fear not, if you are unsuccessful you can always grab a charity space with Single Homeless Project. Every pound you raise will ensure that Londoners experiencing homelessness get the support they deserve.
Map of our services

Use our interactive map to see where we work on the ground
Our mission, vision & values

Our mission, vision and values inspire and challenge us as an organisation.
How we transform lives

Each day our work restores hope to homeless and vulnerable people with nowhere else to turn.
Volunteer vacancies

Could you volunteer your time, skills and talents to help homeless and vulnerable people to transform their lives?
Supported accommodation

Our hostels and supported housing are a lifeline for homeless people who are at a point in their lives where they would struggle to live independently.
Psychologically Informed Environments (PIE)

The people we work with often have complex psychological and emotional needs. To address this, we use an approach known as PIE.
Our history

Single Homeless Project was founded by a group of homeless people in the mid-1970s. Today, 40 years on, we still try to look at the world through our clients’ eyes.
A homelessness crisis

Homelessness has no place in 21st century London – yet we are in the grip of a homeless crisis.
In from the cold: how to help rough sleepers this winter

With rough sleeping in London on the rise, it’s easy to feel helpless – but you can make a difference.

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Do you believe everyone should have a place to call home and the chance to lead a fulfilling life? If so, we'd love to stay in touch! Read more