New Homeless Health Programme Announced

Thanks to a funding partnership between the Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI) and Oak Foundation, the QNI will start a programme to support nurse education, leadership and innovation in the field of homeless health from May 2017.

The partnership will support a national network of health, housing and other support professionals, and people who are or have been homeless, to attend regional learning and networking days about homeless health issues. It will also help to support the development of the QNI’s Homeless Health News publication into the leading national health publication in the specialist field of homeless healthcare.

During 2017, the QNI will also invite applications and select up to 10 nurses who wish to apply for funding of up to £5000, to develop innovative projects to improve healthcare for people experiencing homelessness. Alongside the funding, the QNI will also provide workshops to help nurses develop their skills in planning projects, delivering outcomes, communications and leadership.

The programme will support of the integration agenda outlined in the NHS Five Year Forward View, and the national drive to reduce health inequality.

Dr Crystal Oldman, QNI Chief Executive said:

‘This new funding will enable the QNI to continue to support health professionals who work with those who do not have a secure home. The QNI works with innovative, skilled and passionate community nurses who design and deliver outreach and treatment clinics to some of the most vulnerable people in society. This funding enables us to build on and grow our national network of nurses, driving innovation and improving care for those who are in need.’

David Parker-Radford, the QNI’s Homeless Health Project Manager said:

‘People who have been homeless emphasised the value of support from the right professionals, with the right specialist skills at the right time in their recovery. This programme helps to build on the work the QNI has been recognised for in the field of homeless health nursing over the last 8 years, to reach new sectors and unleash the innovation at the frontline to improve patient care. Oak Foundation has funded many programmes in homeless health and brings valuable experience, so the partnership was a natural fit, I am delighted the QNI can continue and develop this work.’

A spokesperson for the Oak Foundation said:

We are pleased to support the QNI’s work to improve health care for people who are homeless or vulnerably housed, and to promote leadership and innovation in the field. This programme is key to our strategy to strengthening the links between the homelessness sector and health providers.’

ENDS

Notes:

Anyone interested is welcome to join the free QNI Homeless Health Network for all news, events and updates at https://qni.org.uk/explore-qni/homeless-health-programme/

Oak Foundation commits its resources to address issues of global, social and environmental concern, particularly those that have a major impact on the lives of the disadvantaged.

With offices in Europe, Africa, India and North America, Oak Foundation makes grants to organisations in approximately 40 countries worldwide. http://oakfnd.org/