Every year on April 7th, World Health Day highlights the most pressing health challenges facing communities worldwide. While access to healthcare is crucial, health is shaped by much more than hospitals and medicine. Employment, financial stability, and safe housing are just as critical to long-term wellbeing.
At Printed By Us, we see firsthand how employment, fair wages, and access to care can play a role in improving health outcomes, particularly for those who have experienced homelessness. This World Health Day, we’re diving into the data and real-world impact of these issues—and why they matter more than ever.
The Link Between Homelessness & Health
Homelessness isn’t just a housing issue—it’s a public health crisis. People experiencing homelessness face significantly worse health outcomes than the general population.
📊 Key Statistics:
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Average Life Expectancy: In the UK, the average life expectancy for someone experiencing homelessness is just 45 years for men and 43 years for women, compared to 79 and 83 in the general population (Office for National Statistics, 2021).
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Chronic Illness: Nearly 41% of people who are homeless report having a long-term physical health condition (Groundswell, 2022).
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Mental Health: Over 80% of homeless individuals struggle with mental health issues, including depression, PTSD, and anxiety (St Mungo’s, 2023).
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Access to Healthcare: Homeless people are 40 times more likely to lack GP registration, making it harder to receive treatment for preventable conditions (Crisis, 2023).
These numbers show how unstable housing and poor health go hand in hand. But what’s the solution? Research shows that stable employment and fair wages play a major role in improving both housing and health outcomes.
Employment & Health: The Science Behind Stability
Having a steady job and a living wage isn’t just about financial security—it’s directly linked to better mental and physical health. Studies have consistently found that unemployment and low wages contribute to stress, anxiety, and physical illness.
📊 Employment & Health Statistics:
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Unemployment & Mental Health: Being unemployed doubles the risk of depression and anxiety, with 34% of unemployed individuals experiencing poor mental health compared to 16% of those employed (Mental Health Foundation, 2023).
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Low Wages & Life Expectancy: A study from the Health Foundation found that people in the lowest income bracket in the UK are likely to die 10 years earlier than those in higher income groups.
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Work & Recovery: Research from Public Health England shows that employment is one of the strongest predictors of recovery for individuals overcoming substance use disorders.
This is why employment programmes for people who have experienced homelessness are so vital. Providing stable, fairly paid jobs doesn’t just help people rebuild their lives—it can literally save them.
How Printed By Us Supports Health Through Fair Work
At Printed By Us, we don’t just talk about the connection between employment and health—we act on it. Our supported employment programme provides people who have experienced homelessness or long-term unemployment with:
✅ A Real Living Wage – Ensuring they can afford a stable, healthy life.
✅ Skills & Training – Building confidence and future job prospects.
✅ A Supportive Environment – Encouraging mental wellbeing and social connection.
But it’s not just about our team—we also hold our suppliers to high ethical standards, using only Fair Wear-approved garments to ensure that every worker in our supply chain is treated fairly.
What Can We Do This World Health Day?
Improving health isn’t just about medicine—it’s about ensuring everyone has the opportunity for a safe, stable life. Here’s how you can make a difference:
💡 Support Businesses That Pay Fair Wages – Every purchase from Printed By Us supports ethical employment and fair pay.
💡 Advocate for Policy Change – Push for stronger protections for low-income workers and housing support for vulnerable communities.
💡 Get Involved Locally – Support charities like Archer Project, who help people rebuild their lives.
This World Health Day, let’s remember that health is about more than just hospitals. It’s about housing, fair wages, and meaningful employment. By supporting ethical businesses, advocating for fair pay, and challenging the systems that keep people trapped in poverty, we can create a healthier, fairer future for all.
Sources:
- Office for National Statistics (2021) – Life expectancy and homelessness
- Crisis (2023) – Barriers to healthcare for homeless people
- Mental Health Foundation (2023) – Unemployment and mental wellbeing
- The Health Foundation (2022) – Income and life expectancy
- Public Health England (2021) – Employment and substance recovery
