“Before working with OneBridge, the conversation would just be strictly around housing. By introducing a different dimension of health care in our conversations, when we introduce the nurses, it allows us to gain a deeper understanding of the barriers a person is encountering on their pathway to housing.”
As 2025 draws to a close, Darren, inCommunity Connect’s Team Leader (Outreach), reflects on the positive impact of having the OneBridge nurses work alongside the Assertive Outreach Team supporting people sleeping rough in Ipswich.
Darren shares, “It’s great to lean on medical experts so we can concentrate on our scope, to support someone on their pathway to safe and stable housing.
You can see someone who is surviving on the street on the surface but understanding what’s happening from a health perspective goes deeper into understanding what they are dealing with. It may be chronic illnesses like diabetes or cancer, and in all instances, sleeping rough will sadly accelerate symptoms.
So our team is grateful to have the OneBridge nurses there, who know how to unpack this medically and to open up access to the medical care a person needs.”
Working together since May 2024, the two teams have built a strong camaraderie and mutual respect, referring people they connect with to each other’s services as appropriate.
Darren says, “Sometimes it may be easier for a person experiencing homelessness to confide in a nurse about what’s going on for them. When this happens, with the consent of their patient, the OneBridge nurses will make that initial call to us so that we can connect and offer support.”
Nearly 20 months on, the two teams have built a genuine rapport that delivers positive outcomes for people sleeping rough in the Ipswich community.
Darren says, “It’s great to work alongside another service that keeps showing up, always with compassion and very professional. They genuinely care about people and want to see their medical needs addressed. Plus, they have a great sense of humour, which we love, and everyone we support loves too!”
With thanks to the generosity of Beddown donors who have made our health outreach project possible until June 2026.
