A quick rundown of recent statistics on people experiencing homelessness:
- The autumn 2023 ‘snapshot’ showed a 27% increase in rough sleeping. This is the second year that homelessness has increased and this number is 120 per cent higher than in 2010 when the snapshot approach was first introduced. (Please click on this external link to see the source for this data.)
- It is estimated that 120,000 children and young people are homeless in the UK, this is an estimated figure and could be more. According to Action for Children, this doesn’t include the UK’s ‘hidden homeless’ such as people who are sofa-surfing, staying on floors or with friends and relatives.
- A review of data held by the National Child Mortality Database revealed that temporary housing was a factor in the deaths of 55 children between 2019 and 2023, of which 47 were children under the age of 1.
QSA works hard to help alleviate issues faced by people experiencing homelessness and the stories we hear are harrowing to say the least. We believe that people are more than just figures, but these figures help to see but these figures help to reveal failings in the provision of support and the harsh effects this has on real people.
In January this year, the Office for National Statistics proposed to stop publishing statistics on death rates among people experiencing homelessness. We have opposed this, alongside many organisations. As grim as the numbers are, we need to know and face them. Figures should compel government to find solutions and channel resources where they are most urgently needed. Figures help charities to highlight the gravity and scale of homelessness in this country.
QSA runs two practical and impactful projects to help alleviate issues faced by those that need our help:
Cook Up improves nutrition, well-being and social connections for people who are homeless or vulnerably housed in London through the provision of free, in-person, community cooking sessions. Participants can cook their favourite dishes, make a stock of food to take away and build new friendships.
Turn a Corner meets the need for human connection and positive mental stimulation for people who are experiencing homelessness and isolation. We have a mobile community library where people can borrow books and which is also a community space for conversation.
The increase in people facing homelessness means there are and will be more people whomeet need support. There is a huge demand for essential items such as sleeping bags, socks, gloves and sanitary items, especially during this cold spell. We are counting on our supporters to help us meet this increased demand and are appealing to everyone for your donations. Please click here to see the list of useful and urgent items and how you can get them to us.
Image credits: Centre for Homelessness Impact /Liam McBurney/PA