Do I Need an Address for Mental Health Support?

Many people assume they need a fixed address to access mental health support. That is not the case. 

In the UK, you can access mental health support without a permanent home. Whether you are sofa surfing, staying in temporary accommodation or experiencing street homelessness, you can still speak to a GP, get assessed and be referred for support. 

Lack of a fixed address should not stop you getting help. 

Can you get mental health support without an address? 

Yes. You do not need a permanent address to access NHS mental health services. 

You can: 

• register with a GP using a temporary or “care of” address  

• use a hostel, day centre or support service address  

• still be referred for talking therapies or specialist mental health support  

 GP practices should not refuse registration because you do not have proof of address or ID. NHS mental health services understand that housing instability is closely linked to wellbeing. So, your housing situation should not be a barrier to support. 

How to access mental health support if you are homeless or sofa surfing 

If you do not have a fixed home, there are still clear routes into support. 

Register with a GP 

A GP is often the first step into mental health support. 

You can register using: 

• a friend or family member’s address  

• a hostel or temporary accommodation address  

• a local support service or day centre  

• a “care of” address (an address that lets you receive post at a location where you aren’t the primary resident or account holder. You put your name first, followed by “care of” and the name of the person or organization who are actually located at that address.)  

 Once registered, you can speak to a GP about your mental health and ask for a referral to talking therapies or community mental health services. 

Access NHS talking therapies 

Many areas in the UK offer self-referral to talking therapy services. 

These services can support people experiencing: 

• anxiety  

• depression  

• stress linked to housing insecurity  

• trauma and low mood  

You do not need a fixed address to be assessed or placed on a waiting list. 

Get urgent or crisis support if needed 

If you are in distress or feel unsafe, urgent help is available. 

You can: 

• contact NHS urgent mental health helplines by calling 111 

• attend A&E  

• speak to a mental health crisis team if one is available in your area  

Support is available regardless of where you are living. 

Support from mental health charities 

Alongside NHS services, charities can help you understand your options and access support. 

The charity Mind provides information, advice and local services across England and Wales. They can help you navigate the system if you are not registered with a GP or are unsure where to start. 

Why housing and mental health are connected 

Housing insecurity can have a significant impact on mental health. People who are homeless or insecurely housed are more likely to experience: 

• anxiety and depression  

• stress and trauma  

• isolation and loneliness  

• difficulty accessing healthcare  

 At the same time, poor mental health can make it harder to find or keep stable housing. This can create a cycle that is difficult to break without support. 

This is why joined-up services that support both housing and wellbeing are so important. 

Organisations like P3 Charity work to support people facing housing instability, mental health challenges and other complex needs. 

Where to start if you’re unsure 

If you are not sure what support you need, you do not need to have everything figured out. 

You can: 

• speak to a GP or health service.  

• contact a local support organisation or day centre. 

• ask a charity for advice. 

• reach out for crisis support if you need immediate help.  

 Asking for help is enough, you do not need a fixed address to begin. 

How P3 Charity can help 

At P3 Charity, we know that mental health and housing are closely connected. When someone is worried about where they are living or finding a home, it can make everything else feel harder to manage, including getting support for their mental health. 

We support people who are: 

• experiencing homelessness  

• sofa surfing or at risk of homelessness  

• living in temporary or insecure accommodation  

• facing multiple and complex needs  

Our teams work alongside people to help them access the right support at the right time. This can include help with housing, mental health, wellbeing and everyday challenges that can feel overwhelming on your own. 

We take a person-centred approach, working with each individual to understand what matters to them and what stability looks like in their life. 

You do not need a fixed address to ask for help. If you’re struggling, support is available. To find out more about how we can support you, click the button below.