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This Mental Health Awareness Week (12 to 18 May 2025), we’re highlighting why mental health matters – especially for people who have experienced, or been at risk of, homelessness.
At Emmaus Coventry & Warwickshire, we know that support for mental wellbeing plays an important role in helping someone recover from the experience of being homeless. Alongside a stable home, training and work opportunities, we are pleased to be able to offer access to counselling for people we support who need it.
Thanks to a recent generous £2,000 donation from the Fine & Country Foundation, two people we’re currently supporting have now started their counselling journey. They’ve not yet had their first sessions, but both have chosen to take this step to help build resilience and look ahead to the future.
One of them shared:
“Emmaus is great because the team here will support you with whatever is happening day-to-day. At the moment I’m working towards moving on from Emmaus at some point, but I need to work on my mental strength first, and learn to get better at dealing with life’s ups and downs when I’ve not got that daily access to the support team. That’s why I’m really eager to start the counselling sessions.”
So what is the link between mental health and homelessness?
Mental health issues can be both a cause and a consequence of homelessness. When someone is struggling, they may face challenges that put them at risk of losing their home. Once homeless, the stress and isolation of not having a stable place to live can worsen existing issues or lead to new ones.
Research from Crisis shows that 45% of people who are homeless have been diagnosed with a mental health issue. For those sleeping rough, this rises to 80%.
That’s why we’re committed to offering more than just a place to stay. Through personalised support and access to services like counselling, we help people regain their confidence.
No-one’s life should be defined by homelessness. Together, we support people to put their lives back on track and build a better future.