Media Centre

Supporting the homeless

Publish Date: 12/07/2010
Author: Marketing & Communications Dept.

In 2009 Baptcare began a project that provides nursing services to homeless people in the North-West of Melbourne through Baptcare’s Brunswick-based Church Nursing Service (CNS). CNS already provides nursing services to 450 aged people in the community each year through domiciliary nursing, podiatry and personal care services.

Many of the homeless people in the North-West of Melbourne are socially isolated and have spent years without a permanent home, constantly moving from place to place. Many of these people are not able to access mainstream health care because they cannot afford it and many have had bad experiences with health care providers so do not want to seek further care from within those settings.

These people have varying needs including psychiatric illness and/or substance abuse. Due to their social and living arrangements, they present with a range of health issues including injuries pertaining to road and traffic accidents, drug and alcohol issues, violence and chronic health concerns.

The aim of Baptcare’s project is to provide basic nursing health checks and screens to homeless people in the North-West of Melbourne. Demand for the program has been higher than anticipated. The service is delivered to clients in a variety of settings including the clients’ accommodation, local shopping centres or wherever the individual feels most comfortable.

This is facilitated through a range of partnerships with other organisations who deliver these types of services. Initially, the primary partnership was between Baptcare and St Vincent de Paul, but this has grown to involve several other community care agencies.

In a survey of 49 clients, 90% found that the nurse was able to help them with issues, while 100% reported an improvement in how they felt about their health status. Most importantly, a sense of safety and trust was engendered as well as an increased sense of happiness.

“This project has proven to be incredibly worthwhile in meeting the needs of a very vulnerable group of people. We are proud to have the chance to assist homeless people to maintain their connection with community health care networks and to deliver a program that is a direct reflection of Baptcare’s mission and values,” says Baptcare’s Manager of Community Aged Services, Mr Cameron Sinclair.

The program was initially funded through a limited government grant, and due to the program’s success, Baptcare is now seeking alternative sources of funding to ensure that the program remains in operation after December this year.