BSMS Homelessness Conference: Shining a Light on Homelessness

The rate of homelessness has increased dramatically in recent years resulting in a huge strain on the NHS, social services and the housing sector. It has a huge impact on those affected, with significantly higher incidences of mental and physical health problems amongst the homeless and rough sleepers. The conference aims to address the following questions: Why have the incidences of homelessness increased? Why does rough sleeping affect peoples’ health so negatively? How can we help?

The first BSMS Homelessness Conference will explore the reasons why and how people become homeless, the chief concerns of those working in homelessness and why health should be the main priority. This conference will serve as an introduction to homelessness and its surrounding issues including drug and alcohol abuse, domestic abuse and refugees.

The conference is hosted by BSMS HoMed. BSMS HoMed is Brighton and Sussex Medical School's Homeless Medicine Society, which aims to improve healthcare for homeless people and other vulnerable groups by improving the understanding and skills of future doctors. The society hopes to achieve this through educational events, volunteering and fundraising.

Following the conference, the society will be hosting a networking event in the evening. All delegates are welcome to attend.

Please direct any further enquiries to BSMS HoMed at bsms.homed.conference@gmail.com. Please include your name and ‘Question’ in the subject heading.

Abstract submissions are welcome. Individuals may enter the poster competition for the opportunity to win a prize and to present their poster.

Structured abstracts of 250 words may be submitted to bsms.homed.conference@gmail.com and must be received no later than 2359 hours on 31^st January 2020. Please include the authors name and ‘Poster’ in the subject heading.

Applicants will be required to bring their A3 poster to the conference, where they will present to a panel of experts during the lunch break. The winner will be announced during the afternoon address.

All applicants must be in full-time education.

Student Travel Bursary Details:

BSMS HoMed has developed the Student Travel Bursary to ensure that all delegates can attend the conference. Delegates living outside of Sussex during term-time may be eligible for £5.00 to £20.00 off their travel. Please email bsms.homed.conference@gmail.com with the following information to determine if you are eligible:

• Your term-time postcode
• Your expected cost of travel (e.g. train ticket)
• Proof of student status at a university outside of Sussex
• Why you would like to attend the conference

Please include your name and ‘Travel Bursary’ in the subject heading of your email.