Lynch announces funding to address mental health and addiction needs of homeless in Dublin region

Minister for Mental Health, Social Care and Primary Care Kathleen Lynch has today announced that an additional €2m will be allocated to the HSE budget this year to address the health needs of homeless persons in the Dublin region, who manifest chronic mental ill health and/or substance misuse and addiction problems.  

The allocation comes from additional funding secured by Minister Lynch for mental health in the 2016 National Service Plan specifically targeting homelessness.

Minister Lynch said, “There is a high prevalence of mental health and addiction issues among homeless people who experience enduring and habitual rough sleeping.   This new funding will ensure that individuals with high support needs can access the range of health services and supports they require while living in supported temporary accommodation or long-term accommodation”.

A range of in-reach services will be supported with the additional funding.  These will include care and case management and intensive addiction and mental health programmes targeting homeless people in supported temporary accommodation, and homeless couples with high support needs in long-term accommodation.    

The increased funding will also provide long-term intensive care for homeless people with chronic and enduring health needs living in long-term supported accommodation that do not require acute hospital care, but have high support needs.

Concluding Minister Lynch said, “Those who are homeless and experiencing mental health and addiction issues are a particularly vulnerable group that have multiple interlocking needs.   I have asked the HSE to ensure that any mental health supports provided will be developed as part of an overall cohesive response to homelessness, aimed at addressing the complex and multi-faceted needs of people in this situation”.