Mental health fears for homeless

London's mayor has pledged to end homelessness in London by 2012

Mental health problems among rough sleepers have reached "critical levels" following a rise in the homelessness rate, according to a leading charity.

St Mungo's said there was a 15% rise in the homelessness rate in London last year - the equivalent of five new rough sleepers a day.

Last year, the government pledged to end homelessness in London by 2012.

But St Mungo's said that goal would be missed unless the link between mental health and homelessness was broken.

Research among 103 of St Mungo's clients showed that 40% were diagnosed with depression and 22% were diagnosed with schizophrenia.

It believes this is just the tip of the iceberg and many more could be suffering with undiagnosed mental health issues.

"We're calling for more targeted action to help rough sleepers and homeless vulnerable people," said the charity's chief executive Charles Fraser.

"We need to ensure we focus not just on getting a roof over peoples' heads but also on improving access to appropriate health support services."

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