This week (1-7th July) is Alcohol Awareness Week. Alcohol issues can be a huge challenge, and are a problem that disproportionately affects homeless people. In fact, of those we supported in our emergency accommodation in 2022-23, 90% needed support for alcohol related issues.

Whilst there is a general awareness that alcohol use is higher among homeless people, there is a very common misconception that these issues are solely a cause of homelessness. Whilst alcohol can and does contribute to people becoming homeless, addiction is more often an effect of becoming homeless.

For someone to have become homeless, it is highly likely that they have lost everyone and everything in their life. They have no one they can turn to, and no one to ask for help. Subsequently, alcohol is often used by homeless people as a coping strategy for mental health problems or other issues that have resulted in them becoming homeless.

According to data from separate surveys done by both Crisis and HomelessLink, just over 80% of rough sleepers in the UK have a diagnosed mental health issue. 45% said (in the HomelessLink survey) that they used alcohol or drugs to cope with this.

So what do we, The Ferry Project, do to support our clients who struggle with alcohol issues?

The first step for our support staff when we welcome a new client is to get to know them, and start a conversation. Each new client will get a specific support worker assigned to them, in the hope they can build a relationship with that person and have someone who they can trust.

The next step is to make sure the client is registered with a GP, and if not, to register them. Despite being a key pathway through which to access health support, it is usually challenging for homeless people to use GP services. Often, people will have moved around since becoming homeless and therefore are no longer registered with a GP in the area. They also don’t have a permanent address with which to register, and may not have access to internet in order to use online NHS systems.

Once they’re registered with a GP, we can refer them to more specific alcohol services within the NHS, so they can receive medical advice and support if that is what’s right for them.

Beyond that, our most important role comes in creating a stable and supportive environment for clients to recover in. Having a strong support network is vital for those dealing with alcohol issues, and particularly for those who are homeless as they often do not have this already in place. So by simply being there for them, and offering kindness and support, is one of the most important things we do.

If you or someone you know is having problems with alcohol, please get advice, help and support. You can begin by visiting the Alcohol Change UK website which has got lots of information and help available and can signpost you to services in your area.

Resources

Alcohol and Mental Health

Am I Drinking Too Much?

Having a Conversation with Someone about their Drinking

Someone Else's Drinking

Support with your Drinking