Working on the front line of change: Life in the Rough Sleepers Mental Health Service
A new team, ready to grow and make a difference.
In the heart of Leeds, a dynamic and compassionate team is redefining how mental health support reaches those most at risk. The Rough Sleepers Mental Health Service (RSMHS) is not a typical NHS service, it’s built on flexibility, empathy, and determination. This is a team that meets people where they are, offering support in the streets, in temporary accommodation, and in the spaces where traditional services often struggle to reach.
Hear from the team behind the Rough Sleepers Mental Health Service—what the work means to them, and why it matters.
What does a day in the service look like?
For Oliver Barron, a Community Support Worker, the day often begins at a local centre, a safe space where people can access food, socialise, and find connection. From there, he heads out on outreach visits, checking in with individuals on his caseload, arranging appointments, and offering support tailored to each person’s situation.
“It’s simple in structure, but every interaction is different,” Oliver says. “You have to find the right balance, being present, being supportive, and most of all, listening.”
This kind of work requires patience, emotional intelligence, and a deep respect for the people being supported. Many have had difficult experiences with services in the past, and rebuilding trust takes time.
Flexibility is key
Bethan Davies, Principal Clinical Psychologist, explains how the service differs from more traditional mental health settings. With smaller caseloads and a focus on long-term relationship-building, the team can offer a more bespoke approach.
“We’re able to be much more flexible,” Bethan says. “Often it takes a while before we’re doing anything that looks like a typical mental health intervention. But that time spent building trust is essential.”
Bethan also works closely with third-sector organisations and Leeds City Council, helping colleagues think psychologically about the people they support and offering supervision to those who may not have had access to it before.
Real stories, real impact
Lizzie Abbot shares the story of a man who had been sleeping in a tent outside Leeds. He was labelled “difficult to engage,” but through persistent outreach and collaboration, the team helped him access hospital care, begin a recovery journey, and move into supported accommodation.
“That probably wouldn’t have been achieved otherwise,” Lizzie reflects.
These are the kinds of outcomes that define the service, not just crisis response, but long-term, life-changing support.
Why join this team?
This is a service where your work matters every single day. You’ll be part of a close-knit team that supports each other, shares responsibility, and sees the direct impact of their efforts.
“I don’t think I ever get up in the morning and don’t feel like coming to work,” Bethan says. “What we’re doing can make a difference, and it’s really important.”
Ready to make a difference?
Apply now and be part of a team that’s reshaping mental health support in Leeds.