London, UK – HomelessNest.org, a registered charity (1214974) dedicated to supporting people who are homeless or vulnerably housed, has launched a new initiative to address the severe oral health crisis affecting those experiencing homelessness. The initiative, called Smile Again Saturday Sunday You (SASSY), offers free essential dental care on weekends, restoring dignity, confidence, and overall wellbeing for individuals who have long been excluded from mainstream services.
The first two SASSY clinics were recently held at Beach Road Dental in West Sussex, where volunteer dentists, hygienists, and staff generously donated their time and resources to provide much-needed care to dozens of people. One of these individuals, a rough sleeper named James*, shared his story of how the SASSY clinic changed his life.
“I hadn’t smiled in years because of the pain and shame from my teeth. Walking into the clinic, I felt nervous, but when they treated me with kindness and gave me back my smile, it felt like I was human again. For the first time in a long time, I have hope,” he said.
SASSY aims to address the devastating impact of poor oral health among those experiencing homelessness, who often go without regular dental care and suffer from severe dental problems as a result. Emily Carter, Administrator at HomelessNest.org, highlights the importance of restoring dignity through SASSY.
“For far too long, people experiencing homelessness have been invisible in healthcare,” she said. “SASSY is about restoring dignity. It’s not just teeth – it’s confidence, humanity, and hope.”
However, to scale SASSY and make it a regular service, HomelessNest.org is now appealing for ongoing funding and public support. A major barrier to providing dental care to the homeless population is the stigma surrounding homelessness, which can lead to misconceptions and hesitations from dental practices to serve homeless individuals.
“This hesitation highlights a larger societal issue,” says Carter. “These are people in need of compassion and care – exactly like anyone else.”
The urgent need for SASSY is evident, with over 280,000 people currently homeless in the UK and many relying on cheap, high-carbohydrate diets that accelerate dental decay. Without preventative care, small problems escalate, resulting in infections, malnutrition, and pain. The NHS often struggles to keep up with the demand for emergency dental care for homeless individuals, resulting in millions of pounds in costs annually.
HomelessNest.org aims to replicate SASSY across the UK, and conversations are already underway with clinics in multiple towns and cities, inspired by Beach Road Dental’s commitment to the cause.
“SASSY is more than dentistry,” says Ingrid Grey, Practice Manager at Beach Road Dental. “It helps people look in the mirror and feel worthy again. Every restored tooth, every smile – it’s a small victory in the fight against poverty.”
To support this vital work, HomelessNest.org is calling on the public to donate through their crowdfunding page, volunteer their time, and share their story with their network. “People may think a smile is small,” says Carter, “but for someone forgotten, it can be life-changing. It’s the first step toward dignity, hope, and a new beginning.”
About HomelessNest.org:
HomelessNest.org is a registered charity in England and Wales (Charity No. 1214974), supporting individuals and families who are homeless, vulnerably housed, or otherwise at risk through grants, essential items, and practical services to help rebuild lives.
About Beach Road Dental:
Beach Road Dental is a trusted, family-friendly dental practice based in Littlehampton, West Sussex, dedicated to providing affordable, pain-free dental care for patients of all ages. With decades of combined clinical experience, the team is committed to a patient-first approach, modern technology, and promoting community wellbeing.
About SASSY:
Smile Again Saturday Sunday You (SASSY) is a HomelessNest initiative inviting dental clinics across the UK to open their doors during free weekend hours to provide essential dental care to vulnerable individuals.
Notes to Editors:
*James’s name has been changed for privacy. High-resolution images and interviews are available on request.