At First Choice, we know homelessness affects more than housing — it impacts health too. And sometimes, the greatest risks are the ones you can’t see. 

One of those hidden dangers is high blood pressure! It rarely causes symptoms, yet it can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and serious illness. For people already facing the daily challenges of homelessness, it’s an even greater threat. 

Why it’s crucial for us to focus on this: 

When you don’t have a safe place to call home, everyday health care is harder to access. GP appointments can be difficult to keep without a fixed address, and urgent health concerns often take priority over long-term prevention. 

But high blood pressure doesn’t wait. Stress, poor nutrition, disrupted sleep, and limited healthcare all combine to increase risk. Studies show that people experiencing homelessness are more likely to have high blood pressure — and less likely to get it treated. 

What we’re doing about it  

With funding from Swindon Borough council, we’re launching a new programme to  

• Raise awareness about the risks of high blood pressure 

• Encourage healthy habits that can help lower it 

• Connect people to medical support where needed