Somerset’s specialist outreach healthcare service for people experiencing homelessness has been recognised nationally, winning the Public Sector Impact Award at the Professional Development Group (PDG) Awards Evening at the House of Lords on 24 September 2026.
The service, Homelessness Health in Somerset, brings together the Homeless and Rough Sleeper Nursing Service and Inclusion Health GPs.
It is the service’s second national award, after it won the Health Equalities category at the NHS Parliamentary Awards in 2023.
Hundreds of people in Somerset are affected by homelessness every year, including people sleeping on the streets. Many have complex health needs and face real barriers to accessing healthcare. As a result, they experience some of the worst health inequalities in the county.
Using a multidisciplinary approach, the service brings healthcare directly to people experiencing homelessness or multiple disadvantage across Somerset, whether that’s on the street, in hostels or in temporary accommodation. It focuses on prevention, early intervention and treatment for both physical and mental health.
The approach was developed by Somerset Council Public Health in partnership with NHS Somerset, has grown over time, and is now recognised nationally as an example of best practice.
Since 2021, the service has grown through close partnership working between NHS Somerset, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, Somerset Council Public Health and the voluntary sector, bringing partners together across the health and care system to support people facing some of the greatest health inequalities.
This year’s award follows the Local Government Association’s publication of the service as a national case study, and a presentation at the National Homelessness Conference in January 2026.
The award was collected by Dr Laura Devlin, Inclusion Health GP and Andy Lloyd, Health Improvement Manager at Somerset Council. They were joined on the night by Karen George, who leads the Homeless and Rough Sleeper Nursing Service.
Cllr Evie Potts Jones, Lead Member for Public Health at Somerset Council said:
“I’m delighted that Homelessness Health in Somerset has been recognised nationally for a second time. This award is a real recognition of the team’s work. The nursing team and GPs bring healthcare to people wherever they are, often in very difficult circumstances.
“It also shows what we can achieve when the council, the NHS and the voluntary sector work together to support some of the most vulnerable people in our county.”
ENDS
- Homelessness Health in Somerset brings together the Homeless and Rough Sleeper Nursing Service and Inclusion Health GPs.
- The Professional Development Group (PDG) delivers training and events for the public sector throughout the year.
- Photo left to right: Sue Libard MBE DL (The High Sheriff of Lincolnshire), Dr Laura Devlin, Andy Lloyd
