Health and safety on the street
This content applies to England only.
Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. This page applies to England only. Get advice relating to Scotland
Sleeping on the streets can be dangerous. It should only be done as a last resort if there is absolutely no other option available. If you have no choice but to sleep on the streets, you should try to access services that can help you stay safe and healthy.
It is not advisable to go to London if you don't already live there, as there is not enough housing to meet demand. This may also be the case in other large cities. Use our directory to find agencies that can tell you what is available in your area.
Health
Although people sleeping on the streets have a right to register with a doctor, it can be difficult to get medical treatment. You may be offered temporary registration for three months. This will not enable you to get a medical card, which you will only get if a doctor accepts you as a permanent patient. You do not need an address to register; you can use a 'care of' address, such as a friend or a day centre.
In cities and large towns, there may be a walk-in centre which people sleeping on the streets can access. You can search for these and other NHS services in your area on the NHS Choices website.
Health service staff also visit day centres and offer check ups and treatment. These staff may include a:
- nurse
- optician
- dentist
- chiropodist
- doctor
- psychiatrist.
Some day centres employ staff to help people with mental health problems or drink and drug problems. Many day centres do not allow drink or drugs on the premises.
Staying in touch
People sleeping on the streets may lose touch with friends and family if they are moving from place to place. At the same time, friends and family may need to get in contact. Ways of keeping in touch include:
- through outreach teams
- contacting Missing People, who can help you get a message home, even if you don't want to make contact yourself
- using cheap internet access, offered by most public libraries and internet cafes, where you can send and receive emails
- some day centres, which will accept mail on behalf of people sleeping on the streets who use the day centre on a regular basis
- through the Big Issue.
Meals
Soup-runs visit the places where they know people sleep. They distribute free food and drinks, usually on a daily basis. Day centres may provide free or cheap meals to street homeless people.
Belongings
If you are worried about your belongings, some day centres can store them for you.
Pets
If you are sleeping rough and have a pet, you may be able to get free or cheap treatment through an animal charity. You may have to provide proof that you are claiming benefits and that you have nowhere permanent to live. Veterinary charity PDSA has a free national helpline that you can call to find out whether you are eligible for their free services. Call 0800 731 2502.
Most hostels for homeless people will not accept pets. It is best to check in advance.
