Launching Care+Her: advancing equity in homeless women’s health

We’re proud to announce the official launch of Care+Her: Clinical Action in Research for Equity in Homeless Women’s Health—a groundbreaking 12-month collaboration with the Burdett Trust for Nursing, University of Southampton, CHRP, Outcome Home, and Queen’s Nursing Fellow Sam Dorney-Smith.

Based across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Care+Her will evaluate and strengthen nurse-led, trauma-informed healthcare for women experiencing homelessness and unstable housing. The project focuses on sexual and menstrual health, preconception care, and preventative screenings, reaching women most affected by health inequalities—including those living with complex trauma, long-term homelessness, and experiences of sex work.

Through co-designed clinics and research, we’ll test practical outreach models, reduce barriers to care, and build evidence for what works. Crucially, we’ll share learning across the sector so more services can deliver inclusive, equitable support.

Care+Her brings together leading expertise: Sam Dorney-Smith on specialist homeless nursing; Professor Nick Maguire on psychologically informed practice; and PhD Research Specialists Lucy and Frances on rigorous evaluation and lived-experience insight. Together, we aim to deliver measurable improvements in access, safety and outcomes for women who are too often overlooked.

This is a vital opportunity to show how targeted, relationship-based nursing can change trajectories—and to ensure every woman in BCP can access the care she deserves. We look forward to updating partners and the community as the work progresses.