At Bevan, we’ve always believed that healthcare and dignity should never depend on having a safe home. But for people experiencing homelessness, even the most basic care can feel out of reach. That’s why our homeless services exist – to meet people where they are, build trust, and walk alongside them through some of life’s toughest moments.
We’re proud that in Bradford, all of this work sits under one roof at Bevan. It means we can be flexible, responsive, and consistent, because no two journeys are ever the same.
Taking care into the community
Our Outreach Team spends its days (and sometimes nights) going directly to where people are. With the Bevan Bus (and now the Bevan Bike) on the road, the team visits rough sleepers, temporary accommodation, drug and alcohol services, and local drop-ins.
Specialist support is available too; for example at the LOTUS drop-in for women who are sex working, or through monthly evening outreach sessions where people can be met in safe, approachable settings. Plus, every Monday afternoon, our Homeless Drop-In brings people together with our staff, the DWP, and wellness services. There’s no appointment needed. Some come for a meal, some for medical advice, and others just for a friendly face and a chat.
Making hospital discharges safer
No one should recover from illness only to be sent back onto the streets. Inside Bradford Royal Infirmary, our Pathways Team works with patients who are homeless or vulnerably housed. The team includes nurses and a Homeless Discharge Officer, who create assessments that cover housing, benefits, mental health, and other daily needs.
They also support ward staff, helping them keep patients in hospital for the care they need rather than seeing them self-discharge too early. The impact of this work is clear – in 2024, those who interacted with our Pathways Team spent 2,190 less days in hospital. With the average stay in hospital, per day, being £345, this means that we have helped to save an average of £755,550 in one year.
For many people, Pathways is the bridge between crisis and the first step towards stability.
A place to heal and rebuild
For those who need extra care after leaving hospital, Bevan runs BRICCS (Bradford Respite Intermediate Care Support Service) in partnership with Horton Housing.
BRICCS offers 13 beds and wrap-around support that combines healthcare with practical help for moving on. Nurses, GPs and Occupational Therapist visit weekly, and housing staff work with residents to plan their next steps. A psychologist also visits, and three times a week a cook joins the group to encourage shared meals and connection.
This isn’t just about recovery – it’s about belonging, rebuilding confidence, and preparing for a safe, stable future.
A fantastic example of how our teams work together to support patients is Jane’s story (name has been changed for privacy reasons). Jane came into contact with our services when she was treated by one of our Outreach paramedics. After spending time in hospital, due to her health condition and current living situations, she was referred to our BRICCS team, by our Pathways Team, a true example of how our teams work together to create the best outcomes for our patients. This meant that Jane did not have to have an extended stay in hospital and was able to recover in a safe and warm environment.
Why this matters
What makes Bevan’s work unique is how joined-up it is. Outreach, hospital discharge, and respite care are not separate projects — they’re connected pieces of the same vision.
By staying flexible and putting relationships first, our teams break down the barriers that so often keep people locked out of care. Trust is at the centre of it all. When people feel safe and respected, real change becomes possible.
Homelessness in the UK continues to be a challenge, but through our outreach work, hospital-based support, and specialist recovery care, we’re helping people find stability.
Every day, we’re proud to stand beside some of the most vulnerable people in our city, because everyone deserves not just healthcare, but compassion, respect, and the chance to move forward.
