Page 20 - Community Health magazine - issue 38

Home is where

the heart is

Hundreds of homeless people are now benefiting from essential foot
and dental care thanks to funding from NHS Charities Together. Kelly
August spoke to two people who are happier, healthier and have a
roof over their heads, thanks to KCHFT’s Rough Sleeper Service.

t 51 years old, Tina Baggott
was homeless and an alcoholic
Awith a number of untreated
health problems.
Tragically, she lost her father while
homeless and after nine years of living
on the streets, it was this moment she
decided to stop drinking and seek help.
Now with support from the Rough
Sleeper Service and help to maintain her
health, Tina is determined to keep her
precious home.
Tina said: “I started drinking because
of a bad relationship and the fact I was
homeless. The day I lost my dad, I threw
a beer at a wall and that was it. I walked
away from a bad situation determined to
make things better.
“I like my life as it is now. It was rough
on the streets and I wouldn’t wish it on
my worst enemy. If it wasn’t for Claire
Knight, Dr Green, Maidstone Borough
Council and Maidstone Day Centre, I’d be
in the drain again. I wouldn’t have this
roof over my head.”
Claire Knight is a complex care
outreach nurse, part of the Rough
Sleeper Service, which provides
treatment, support and advice for
homeless people. Claire met Tina at the
day centre in 2019 and worked with the
team to help her get back on her feet.

www
.kentcht.nhs.uk
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