Homelessness

Definition 

Just for the record, people are considered to be homeless if they are living "on the street" OR in a squat or staying in different places with friends or whoever will put them up (so-called "sofa surfing").   Any unstable accommodation is categorised as "homelessness".

How can we help?

Not all GP surgeries will register patients who have no address.   We welcome homeless people to the Practice but we do have to ask for some forms of identity (ID) - we do need you to be able to prove who you are in some way.   However, if there is some difficulty getting ID it won't stop us helping you with any medical problems you have while you sort the ID out.   Our Admin. Team will tell you what you need to do.

Partner Agencies

We work alongside establishments such as Acorn House which is a Night Shelter for the homeless in Oak Street, Northampton. 

CAN Homelessness Team in Ash Street and the Council Homelessness Team based at the Guildhall provide access routes to rented housing.

Problems getting re-housed

Many of our patients have got into problems with rent arrears in Council accommodation, often because they have neglected to make claims for Housing Benefit to which they were entitled or the claims have been rejected for technical reasons or got lost in the system.

Our Clinical Support Worker (Sue) can help you sort out the mess - it's worth getting her help with what can be a complicated business.

We can also provide medical recommendations  to help you gain points towards making a bid if you have a problem which makes you particularly vulnerable.

The Community Law Service (formerly Welfare Rights Service) which has its office just down the road from us can also help you with this as well as with maximising your benefits and helping you make an appeal if you think you have not been treated fairly.