Clinicians supporting patients presenting with homelessness concerns can find comprehensive local and statewide resources on the Mid and North Coast HealthPathways website.
HealthPathways Clinical Editor Dr Sarah Mollard said the resources may prove invaluable when supporting patients facing issues like domestic violence, lack of housing security, or loss of job leading to financial hardship.
‘These events can all trigger homelessness, or the threat of homelessness, and lead to significant physical and mental health problems,’ Dr Mollard said.
‘We offer HealthPathways resources to help clinicians quickly identify support networks and referral pathways across the North Coast region.
‘There are easy links to government and NGO services aimed at prevention and early intervention, as well as crisis and post-crisis support.
‘You can readily search by patient category such as LGBTQ, youth, and Aboriginal as well as by type of service such as legal, financial, crisis, and public housing.’
The homelessness referral pathways provide links to services clinicians may not know about, such as:
- Twenty 10 Gay and Lesbian Counselling Service
- My Foundations Youth Housing
- New Horizons
- Momentum Specialist Homelessness Service Alliance
Along with the better known services like St Vincent de Paul Society and Mission Australia.
Username: manchealth
Password: conn3ct3d
Vinnie’s Community Sleepout
Vinnies Community Sleepout is an annual event to raise awareness of homelessness. This year, the sleepout is being held on Friday 27 August 2021, when participants across NSW will once again come together in a statewide effort to raise funds for, and awareness of, the most vulnerable people in our local communities. You will be able to find your nearest local event at the Vinnies Community Sleepout website.