We are a not-for-profit delivering a free, GP led, mobile medical service to people experiencing homelessness.

Background statistics

In the context of a wealthy industrialised society, homelessness is a visible indicator of poverty, community disadvantage and social exclusion. The number of homeless persons in Australia has increased by 13.7% between 2011 and 2016 – rising to 116,427 people in 2016. Of the Australian states, NSW recorded the largest increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness with a homeless rate of 50.4 persons per 10,000.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2016

 

Problem statement

People who experience homelessness are at a significantly higher risk of suffering from poor health outcomes, including higher morbidity and mortality. This is due to a number of challenging barriers that limit their access to healthcare. This is due to a number of complex and challenging barriers.

PRoposed solution

A medical service on their terms, in their territory in a setting where they are comfortable. A GP led, truly mobile, medical clinic which collaborates with pre-existing homeless charities, shelters, and services to provide primary healthcare specifically for the homeless community.

 
 
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About

Find out about our organization,
mission, our methods, and the results of our advocacy.

Learn More
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Volunteer

Want to join our goal of alleviating the health-burden to the homeless community? Find out how here

Find Out How
 

GALLERY

Homelessness leads to a significantly disproportionate risk of dehydration and heat related illnesses including heat exhaustion, cramps and stroke. This is due to insecure access to quality water, ability to maintain cold water and inadequate access
In 2014, an estimated 26% of people in Australia who had ever experienced homelessness assessed their health as fair or poor, compared with 14% of those who had not experienced homelessness - we plan on changing that! Find out more by visiting our we
Ongoing shortness of breath, coughing, chest discomfort - These are all signs of chronic obstructive airway disease. The treatment; fairly straight forward - but the rate limiting step is getting assessment of your lungs. In our van we are able to pe
Our amazing medical volunteer Samira out one evening at the Manly clinic. It’s amazing how one conversation, one human connection can really alter the trajectory of another’s life. Sometimes all it takes is one genuine meaningful conversa
The first of our #Fact Check posts! Although we may never truly understand firsthand the struggles of those who experience homelessness, we hope that by sharing some these statistics, together we can learn about some of the barriers they face. These
We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, named and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved, unspoken to and uncared for is the greatest poverty. The best medicine we can perform is showing people that we care, that you can see t
At Street Side Medics, we strongly believe that everyone should have equal access to primary healthcare. Our services are of no personal charge to any patients regardless of their healthcare status or background. We rely on your donations to continue
FIRST IN WORLD; Proof of concept! From concept to reality, these three legends; Con, Garreth and James really came through. We are so proud of our work with NSW Health and their IT department who have successfully completed what started off as a dr
Homeless people have an approximately THREE TIMES greater risk of CVD and an increased CVD mortality. This is why primary health prevention is critical. Our clinic has the capabilities to not only screen for cardiovascular risk factors but diagnose,
With temperatures reaching 39 degrees in Sydney’s inner west yesterday, our team was busy providing medical care in the van, whilst handing out our Street Side Medics packs to those in need! Yesterday alone we handed out 65 packs to many rough

AcknowLEDGEMENT

Street Side Medics acknowledges the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises their connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures and to Elders both past and present.