Homeless left with 'no choice' but to access mental health support through A&E

An estimated 60% of people experiencing chronic and episodic forms of homelessness also have a mental health issue, research shows. File picture.

Frontline staff working with those who are homeless have criticised the "reactive" level of mental health services open to their clients, claiming many people have "no choice" but to access supports through overcrowded Emergency Departments in hospitals.

It is one of a number of findings from a new study exploring the experiences of frontline workers assisting those who are homeless and the interaction with mental health services.