THE stark statistics speak for themselves. “Rough sleepers” – the most visible section of Hampshire’s homeless population – are four times more likely to die from unnatural causes, such as assault and murder. Fifty per cent of them are also alcohol reliant, around 70 per cent misuse drugs, and 30 to 50 per cent suffer from mental health problems.

And their problems don’t end there – even those seeking help for their health problems find it almost impossible to get help because they don’t have a home address.

Which makes the Trinity Centre in Winchester an especially welcome haven for those suffering on the shadowy fringes of society.

Here, twice-weekly drop-in sessions are offered by a GP and nurse, who treat those who have fallen through the cracks in the healthcare system. A mental health nurse and volunteer podiatrist also visit.

About 49 people visit the centre every day, including 19 rough sleepers. Others include “sofa surfers” and people living in hostels.

Dr Pauline Grant who has worked at the centre for four years, said: “Every so often there are people we see who, had we not been here, would now be dead. If we were not here, they would not be getting a health service or get it too late.”

Dr Grant said about one third of those she treats are not registered with a GP while others who are may find it difficult to sit in waiting rooms, for example heroin addicts experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

The future of healthcare at the centre for the homeless is under review by Hampshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) which partly funds the service and described it as “vulnerable” in a recent report.

Health bosses admit there is currently “very little provision for the homeless,” across the county.

They have made improving healthcare for the homeless a priority.

A PCT report said rough sleepers have an estimated average life expectancy of just 42 years and are four times more likely to die from unnatural causes, for example accidents, assaults, murders, drugs or alcohol poisoning.

For people sleeping rough and walking the streets by day, even removing their boots can be a rare event.

Nurse Claire Beckett, who has worked at the centre for three years, said: “There is nothing better than washing their feet in warm, soapy water and giving them clean socks. That is the best thing I love about this job.”

Dr Grant added: “It is an emotional thing - showing you care enough to do something. These are people who don’t get cared for. They are always so grateful. They don’t expect anything.”

The NHS doctor and nurse offer hepatitis vaccinations, screen for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, provide contraceptives, test blood pressure, check ears and eyes, dress wounds from heroin injecting and refer people for specialist services.

There is also a needle exchange service.

Dr Grant said: “We see a lot of substance abuse - people with drug and alcohol problems - and many have mental health problems.

“The other thing we treat is minor injuries. A significant number come in with cuts and bruises. They get into scrapes a lot. We treat everything that comes in the door. Every day is different.”

The pair say healthcare services at the Trinity Centre have been “in limbo” for four years and even moved backwards.

The team used to include a health visitor, sexual health expert, psychiatric nurse and mental health support worker but individuals left and were not replaced.

Dr Grant said: “I would like to have stronger links with local GPs. I would like a local GP surgery to take over and run the service so the people here could access a lot more resources.”

She said lack of NHS dentistry was a major gap. “Some of them tell us they pull out their own teeth.”

However healthcare is only part of the vital services provided by the Trinity Centre which is due to move to a new home at Durngate Place in 2009.

Everyone who attends the centre can also get a free nutritious breakfast and lunch as well as advice on housing and benefits.

There are facilities for people to shower and wash their clothes as well as cooking lessons and a football team.

Helping in the kitchen was Andy, 18. Homeless since the age of 15, he has slept in car parks and garages but is currently camping on his sister’s sofa in Stanmore.

He said: “I get breakfast and lunch here. It is warm and it gives me something to do during the day. They are always willing to listen to you and they have a doctor here. It is quite a sociable place.

“Everyone knows each other and looks out for each other. If this place was not here I probably would have died a long time ago.”

Jack, 48, lives in a flat. He said: “I come here every day. I can’t read or write and they help with all my forms. If I can’t get an appointment to see my doctor, I see Dr Grant. She’s first class.”

Playing pool was Glen, 29, a former heroin addict with anxiety problems who has lived in a hostel in St Cross for four years.

He said: “I come here to socialise and have dinner. I am registered with a doctor but I have had a blood test for hepatitis and immunisation here. Also I can talk to Dr Grant about things I can’t talk to my own GP about. I don’t know what I would do without this place.”

The Trinity Centre is appealing for warm socks, gloves, hats, scarves, coats and sleeping bags to give to visitors. Items can be dropped off at the centre in St Paul’s Hill.