Phenyo Mokgothu

Globally, one of the main causes of street homelessness is chronic mental illness, and South Africa is no different. Researchers from the North-West University (NWU) have some recommendations on how the plight of these vulnerable people can be alleviated.

“In societies where mental illness is misunderstood, stigmatised, or sparsely treated, or where treatment is inaccessible for the poor, the link between street homelessness and chronic mental illness becomes even greater,” says Prof Miriam Moagi, a research professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences.

This was highlighted in a research study she conducted in conjunction with Prof Ramadimetja S Mooa and Prof Jannie Hugo. The study is titled “On the streets, we don’t have time to get treated as we are trying to survive: The stories of mentally ill homeless persons residing in a community-based health centre in the City of Tshwane”.

The study considered specific individuals whose chronic mental illness resulted in their being homeless in South Africa’s capital city. It also reflects on the infrastructure available to these people and recommends ways to scale up and replicate good practices at the centre, while transforming unutilised or ineffective infrastructure.

“The issue of homeless people suffering from mental illness across the City of Tshwane appears to be escalating daily, and requires immediate professional interventions that will incorporate awareness,” says Prof Moagi.

The study helped create an understanding and explanation of the social or “life” world of homeless people with mental illness. It also expanded understanding of the viewpoints of those providing services at the centre.

“The insights indicated that the ripple effects of a deinstitutionalisation plan for a sustainable policy package could improve the quality of life for mentally ill homeless persons while housed in community-based centres,” adds Prof Moagi.

However – according to the study – deinstitutionalisation has to be approached with great care. If deinstitutionalisation is done with sufficient care and planning, it can provide a safety net for people with mental illnesses as they are able to access treatment at these centres.

The hope is that studies such as this one could assist in finding ways to ensure homeless people with mental illnesses receive the treatment and care they need.

 Prof Miriam Moagi.