People’s Postcode Trust
In January 2017, St John Ambulance received a £15,800
grant from the People’s Postcode Trust to help expand its Brighton
Homeless Service.
Our Homeless Service provides health care, podiatry and
first aid to homeless and vulnerably-housed people in the Brighton
and Hove area. We'll use the grant to employ a podiatrist and to
buy specialist equipment.
New podiatry clinic
The new podiatry clinic runs every Thursday at the First Base
Day Centre. It aims to treat painful foot conditions, often
experienced by homeless people. These are caused by poor footwear,
prolonged exposure to moisture, long periods of walking and
standing, and repetitive minor trauma.
‘Homeless people are some of the most vulnerable in our local
community. Poor health and foot problems are a big issue, and our
outreach clinics are invaluable for homeless people.’
- Markie Barratt, Sussex Homeless Service Manager
Thanks to the grant, we are able to continue to support people
like James.
James was recently made homeless. He came into the podiatry
clinic after a night sleeping in heavy rain. He complained of a
painful toe which had an infected ulcer. The ulcer was caused by
the pressure from his ill-fitting shoes, poor living conditions and
reduced sensation in his feet. After his toe was cleaned and
dressed, he agreed to return to the clinic every week to have his
wound redressed until it healed. We were also able to provide a
pair of better fitting shoes thanks to the People's Postcode Trust.
Without any medical attention, he might have ended up with a bone
infection, sepsis or a foot amputation.
From May to July 2017, the clinic has been used by a total of
61 clients. 69% of those were sleeping rough. 23% were in hostels
and temporary or emergency accommodation.
Learn more about the St John
Ambulance Homeless Service.
*Names have been changed to protect the identity.