Webinar series on Health and Homelessness

WEBINAR III: Homelessness and Mental Health 

21st November, Thursday (11:00 – 12:30 CET) 

 

Register here

 

This autumn, FEANTSA is organising a series of webinars to explore the connection between health and homelessness. In these online events, we are inviting experts on health and homelessness who have conducted research at the intersection of these areas or/and have implemented successful practices in removing barriers for people facing homelessness to access to healthcare.    

You can watch our first webinar here, on Homelessness and Health Inequalities and here on Homelessness and Tuberculosis. The third and last webinar of this series is dedicated to the connection between mental health and homelessness. 

The relationship between homelessness and mental health is complex and deeply interconnected. Research shows that people experiencing homelessness have a significantly higher prevalence of mental health problems. The lack of safe, stable shelter can severely impact their psychological well-being. With mental health remaining a priority on the EU agenda,[1] FEANTSA raises awareness on the need to ensure a focus on marginalised communities in upcoming initiatives in this area, particularly with regards to the significance of housing as a social determinant of health, especially Mental Health.[2]   

To ensure a truly comprehensive and effective approach to mental health at a European level, the needs and access of people experiencing homelessness must be considered. The upcoming webinar aims to contribute to this conversation by addressing topics such as the specific needs and challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness as well as good support practices.  

 

Goals:   

  • Built knowledge on the bidirectional relationship between homelessness and mental health. 
  • Identifying and mapping some of the common challenges that people experiencing homelessness face on accessibility to mental health services, diagnosis, and treatment. 
  • Provide examples of innovative services that provide mental healthcare for people experiencing homelessness. 
  • Offer an opportunity for participants to share their experiences and services and co-create solutions for problems identified. 

 

Programme 

 

Mental Health Europe, Brussels

Speaker: Fatima Awil, Policy and Knowledge Officer 

Website: Mental Health Europe: Advocacy & Support for Well-being 

 

Research- On the Situation of People Living in Homelessness and with Psychiatric Illness and Mental Disorder in Budapest, and their Support Systems.

Speaker: István Sziklai, University of Hungary  

Website: Istvan Sziklai, PhD | ELTE Faculty of Social Sciences 

 

Neunerhaus, Vienna 

Speaker: Paula Reid, Research and Innovation Officer 

Website: Home - neunerhaus 


 
Housing First- Hogares para la Autonomía and Mental Health, Madrid

Speaker: Jose Carillo, Housing Support Technician 

Website: Inicio - HOGAR SÍ; Con las personas, por el derecho a la vivienda - Provivienda 


 
Q&A SESSION 
 
 

 



[1] Mental Health Europe (10 October 2024). Joint Statement: Deliver on promises and honour commitments on mental health.

[2] FEANTSA (2023). Mental Health & Homelessness across Europe: Calling for Comprehensive, Sustainable & Inclusive Strategies.