“My aim is to bridge that gap and help get them back into the system,”
explains Lisa Ewart, South Eastern Trust Homeless Health Nurse.
“When you are homeless, your priority is where you are sleeping that night, and unfortunately health often takes a back seat.”
Lisa works closely within our accommodation services across the South Eastern Trust area, including our service in Bangor. Through her weekly visits, she supports people experiencing homelessness to access vital healthcare, often for the first time in years.
One of those people is Curtis DuRose.
After returning to Northern Ireland from Scotland, Curtis found himself without stable housing and struggled to rebuild his life. Following a night sleeping on the streets and a short stay in hospital, he moved into Simon Community’s temporary accommodation in Bangor.
Curtis describes the difference Lisa’s support has made:
“Having Lisa coming to the hostel once a week and checking in has made a huge difference. I now feel more empowered over my health, and having Lisa here really does help keep me on top of things. It’s just a little nudge in the right direction every now and then.”
Lisa’s role focuses on removing the many barriers people experiencing homelessness face when trying to access healthcare. From registering with a GP to navigating mental health services, addiction support, and ongoing treatment. Many people do not have ID, a fixed address, or previous positive experiences with health services, which can make engagement difficult.
By meeting people where they are, building trust, and advocating on their behalf, Lisa helps individuals stabilise their physical and mental health. A crucial step towards independence and long-term housing.
At Simon Community, we know that providing shelter is just one part of the journey out of homelessness. Access to compassionate, consistent healthcare that wraps around the person is equally vital.
Homelessness does not exist in a vacuum. Ending it requires collaboration, understanding, and practical solutions delivered in real time by government bodies, health services, charities, and volunteers working together.
Lisa’s work is a powerful example of what that collaboration can look like and the very real difference it makes in helping people regain stability, dignity, and hope for the future.
We’re here 24/7. If you or someone you know is homeless or at risk, call 0800 171 2222 or click here for support.