Homelessness peer support initiative to expand
Sinéad, homeless health peer advocate at Depaul; David Carroll, CEO, and Rachel McMahon, Homeless Health Peer Advocacy project manager.
A pioneering project where people who have exited homelessness help other homeless people get access to a range of healthcare services is being expanded to Cork.
Homeless charity Depaul Ireland made the announcement as it celebrated its peer advocates who deliver its Homeless Health Peer Advocacy (HHPA) programme at an event in Cork City Hall on Friday.
The HHPA programme is designed to improve health outcomes for homeless people through what it calls peer-led advocacy and support.
It has trained people who have lived experience of homelessness to act as health advocates for those who are homeless now.
These peer advocates help people get access to and engage with a range of healthcare services, ensuring that those in most need of access to the services receive the care they need.
Sinéad Flynn, who was among the peer advocates honoured on Friday, said the fact that she has lived experience of homelessness makes a huge difference when it comes to engaging with homeless people who are in need of healthcare.
“When you’re coming from a background like that, and you’re dealing with social workers and doctors, it’s very overwhelming and you can put your guard up.
"But when they hear about my lived experience, the walls come down,” she said.
“This is the first time in my life that I’ve ever had a job where I actually look forward to the next day. I love it.
“Not only has it allowed me to give back to my community, it has also given me a true sense of purpose.
"This programme changes lives, including my own.”
