Tackling Galway's homelessness needs more than houses

Conference highlights supports

A CONFERENCE held by Galway Simon Community will explore the complex relationship between health and homelessness.

Titled ‘Beyond the Threshold: Health, Homelessness and Human Cost of Exclusion’, will take place as part of Simon Week 2026 at the Hardiman Hotel, Galway on Tuesday, September 22.

It will bring together frontline practitioners, healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers and people with lived experience of homelessness to examine the barriers that prevent some of the most vulnerable people in society from accessing the care and support they need.

The charity’s own experiences highlight that homelessness and poor health are deeply interconnected.

“Every day we see the profound impact that homelessness can have on a person's physical and mental health,” said Karen Feeney, Head of Services at Galway Simon Community.

“This conference is an opportunity to listen, learn and reflect on how we can work together to create services and systems that are more inclusive, compassionate and responsive to people's needs,” she added.

Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the realities faced by people experiencing homelessness and the impact that exclusion from healthcare and support services can have on their lives.

Galway Simon Community believes that tackling homelessness requires more than housing alone. It requires a collective commitment to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can access the healthcare, support and opportunities they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives.

Anyone working in health, housing, social care, community services, advocacy or public policy are invited to attend the free conference on Tuesday, September 22 from 10.15am to 3.30pm.