PCN Initiatives

Our Rough Sleeper Initiative, launched in July 2024 and based at The Foxton Centre, has rapidly become a vital service for people experiencing homelessness in our community. Since its inception, we have registered over 100 rough sleepers—many of whom were previously disengaged from healthcare—and connected them with essential services in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. The clinic operates as a flexible, low-barrier walk-in service, open every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 09:15 to 13:15, with both a GP and nurse on site. No appointments are required, which has been crucial in making the service accessible and responsive to the unpredictable nature of life on the streets.

To date, we have delivered around 700 clinical presentations, with the majority addressing complex mental health needs, substance misuse (drugs and alcohol), and wound care—particularly injuries related to long-term neglect. Our trauma-informed, person-centred approach has also contributed to a noticeable reduction in A&E attendances and unplanned hospital admissions, as individuals are now able to access care earlier and in a more appropriate setting. In addition to our core work with rough sleepers, we also provide a dedicated monthly outreach session to sex workers at Base 18, where we offer confidential healthcare support, sexual health services, and harm reduction advice. Through close collaboration with mental health teams, Inspire, and local partners, the initiative continues to tackle health inequalities and support some of the most marginalised individuals in our city.