The Salvation Army in Penzance to host pop-up clinic for homeless community

For many people experiencing homelessness, accessing basic healthcare and personal care services can feel like an insurmountable challenge. To address this, The Salvation Army in Penzance is partnering with NHS Cornwall to host a pop-up clinic at their hall on Queens Street on Thursday, 27 February, from 9am to 12 noon.   

The clinic will offer a range of services, including health screenings, liver scans, mental health support, ear care, foot care, and haircuts. Attendees will also have access to vaccinations, emergency dental and sexual health appointments, and refreshments. Each person who attends will receive a £5 supermarket voucher.   

Majors David and Susan Tidball, leaders of The Salvation Army in Penzance, said: “This pop-up clinic, in partnership with NHS Cornwall, might seem like a small gesture – a haircut, a health check, a friendly ear – but it goes such a long way in the lives of those we touch. When you're facing the daily stresses of homelessness, simply finding your next meal and a safe place to sleep, things like your health often get pushed to the side.” 

“People don't have the time, the resources, or even the energy to address these needs, let alone basic self-care like a haircut or trimming their nails. This clinic is a chance to show our community that we see them, we care, and we're here to help them in any way we can, from the practical to the personal.”

This initiative is part of NHS Cornwall’s “Health for the Homeless” program, which has been running pop-up clinics across the county since October 2024. The Salvation Army has previously hosted clinics in Falmouth and Newquay, with the next one scheduled for 27 March in St Austell.   

Year-round, The Salvation Army in Penzance provides essential support to the community, including food, showers, laundry facilities, and a safe space for those in need. They also distribute “baby basics” to struggling families and offer a listening ear to anyone seeking companionship. For more information, visit Penzance | The Salvation Army.