President Professor Subodh Dave comments on the link between mental health and homelessness in response to the Chancellor's Autumn Budget 2026.
Professor Subodh Dave, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists said:
“Homelessness has no place in our society, and it is positive to see steps are being taken in this budget to help people off the streets throughout winter and beyond. Many people experiencing rough sleeping have unmet mental health needs, while the trauma and insecurity associated with homelessness can also have a significant impact on mental wellbeing.
“Secure housing can help people engage with mental health services which in turn support and enable their long-term recovery. The Government must ensure these services are closely integrated and expand community mental health teams if it is to deliver the long-term progress that this vulnerable group of people really needs.
“The importance of this joint-up approach is reflected in the growing impact housing pressures are having on mental health services. People who have sufficiently recovered are increasingly unable to be discharged because of supported housing delays and this is estimated to have cost mental health trusts £130 million in 2025/26.
“The College's report, Breaking the Cycle: Supported Housing as an Enabler of Mental Health Hospital Discharge and Community Mental Health Service Delivery, published with Look Ahead and the National Housing Federation earlier this year, found that a lack of supported housing in local communities is a major driver of delayed discharge, readmission and rising pressure across mental health services in England.
“Dr Jim Crabb has been appointed as our new Presidential Lead for Work, Housing and Money to help take some of this work forward and address the wider determinants of mental health.”
For further information, please contact:
- Email: press@rcpsych.ac.uk
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