Evaluation of the Rough Sleeping and Mental Health Programme in Oxleas and South West London NHS Trusts

Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust (Oxleas) and South West London and St George’s Mental Health Trust (SWLStG) jointly commissioned the Health Innovation Network South London to conduct an evaluation of their Rough Sleeping and Mental Health Programmes (RAMHP). The evaluation looked at how RAMHP has been implemented, delivered, and benefited service users during the period of July 2023 to June 2024 in both Trusts.

This evaluation demonstrates that RAMHP in Oxleas and SWLStG have effectively engaged rough sleepers, providing personalised care, and comprehensive support that significantly improves wellbeing for its service users. Key to the programme’s success has been a flexible and holistic approach, dedicated practitioners, and strong partnerships with outreach agencies and local authorities.

 However, the programme has also faced operational and systemic challenges, including difficulties in staff recruitment and retention due to funding limitations and the specialised nature of the work, inconsistencies in referral criteria, and wider systemic issues like housing shortages and the complexities of mental health assessments for this vulnerable population.

Addressing some of these challenges will be crucial to further optimise service delivery and maximise positive outcomes for rough sleepers. However, given RAMHP’s demonstrated effectiveness in addressing the unmet needs of rough sleepers, Oxleas and SWLStG’s Trusts should consider expanding and funding the programme, following the successful model in North and Central London.