Expanding care for homeless communities across Kent and Medway
Date added: 14 January 2026
Last updated: 14 January 2026
Support for people experiencing or facing homelessness across Kent and Medway is being strengthened, with an expanded specialist mental health team now working alongside local councils.
Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust has announced the expansion of its Homelessness Team, partnering with Gravesham Council to support people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The service helps individuals access mental health care, housing, and other essential support.
The team, formerly known as the Rough Sleeper Team, began in 2021 with support from the national Rough Sleeping Initiative. It works closely with local councils to help people move away from life on the streets and into safe, secure homes. Following the team’s success, services now cover West Kent, Medway, and Gravesham.
John Lavelle, Service Director for Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust said:
“We are excited to expand our support to more people in need. Our team collaborates closely with local authorities and partners to ensure that everyone experiencing homelessness receives the mental health support and care they deserve. We are particularly pleased to be working with Gravesham Council to extend these vital services.”
Florentina Bela, Housing Options & Rough Sleeping Manager for Gravesham Borough Council, said:
“Homelessness is not a choice. Working with the Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust Homelessness Team, we can support for the whole person, recognising that homelessness often results from life events beyond a person’s control. By understanding the unique challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness and adopting a compassionate approach, we can build trust and engagement and ultimately change lives.”
The Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board has approved plans to further expand the Homelessness Team’s service across Kent and Medway. This expansion will enable the team to reach more areas, including East Kent, Dartford, Swanley, and Swale.
Dr Kate Langford, Chief Medical Officer, NHS Kent and Medway said:
“People experiencing homelessness in our communities are often among the most disadvantaged, marginalised, and traumatised populations. The evidence shows that this type of mental health support reaches the people that other services don’t. So, this additional funding will mean that more people sleeping on the streets of Kent and Medway can get the help they need to build a new and healthier life.”
John Lavelle added:
“As we roll out services to Gravesham and beyond, we have strengthened our specialist team of psychiatrists, social workers and nurses, working alongside Mental Health Together and other secondary mental health services. Our approach, meeting people where they are, conducting assessments directly on the streets, we know builds trust and enables effective care. The positive reputation our team has earned within vulnerable communities makes it easier to reach those in need.”
The trust hopes this expansion will make a meaningful difference for people struggling with homelessness, providing the care and support they need to live healthier, safer lives.
