The Hospital Outreach Service supports hospital patients who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness, working with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, local authorities and third-sector organisations to help them access housing, welfare and practical support.
Why this service matters
Stable housing and good health are closely connected. Without the right support, patients can face poorer health outcomes, delayed discharge and repeated hospital admissions.
How we help
Housing advice and advocacy
Providing housing-rights advice, advocacy and support to access suitable housing.
Benefits support
Providing benefit assessments and helping patients maximise the financial support available to them.
Crisis support
Providing clothing, toiletries, food vouchers and other essential items to patients who need immediate assistance.
Financial and grant assistance
Supporting applications for emergency funding, grants and essential household items.
Onward referrals
Connecting patients with The Marie Trust’s Education and Counselling services, legal support and community organisations.
Coordinated support
Working alongside hospital teams, social work, local authorities and other organisations to help prevent and resolve homelessness.
Where we work:
The service currently receives referrals across:
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Glasgow Royal Infirmary
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Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
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Stobhill Ambulatory Care Hospital
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Stobhill Mental Health services
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Gartnavel Royal Hospital
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Leverndale Hospital
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Forensic mental-health services at Rowanbank and Leverndale
Who can make a referral?
Referrals are accepted from hospital clinical staff and social-work teams supporting patients who are experiencing homelessness or may be at risk of homelessness.
How the service has grown
The Marie Trust began supporting patients experiencing homelessness at Glasgow Royal Infirmary in 2023. The need for dedicated Hospital Outreach quickly became clear, leading to a formal partnership with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and expansion into additional hospital sites.
A new prevention pilot
In 2026, The Marie Trust received government funding for a pilot project delivered in partnership with Govan Law Centre. The project expands support into mental-health hospital settings and provides training to clinical staff ahead of new legal duties requiring services to ask about and act on homelessness risk.
Our Impact
Since the service launched in 2023:
"Sh*tshow, a total sh*tshow, if I didn't have you and my worker, I'd already be out there [sleeping rough], I'd be lying out there."
Make a referral
Hospital staff or social-work teams can contact the Hospital Outreach Service to discuss a referral.
David Brannan, Hospital Outreach Caseworker
📞 07903 263248
✉️ DBrannan@themarietrust.org.uk
Last Updated: 22 July 2026