As Scotland heads toward next May’s parliamentary election, The Salvation Army is pressing political leaders to place homelessness prevention at the highest of their agendas.
The appeal comes as the most recent national homelessness figures reveal worrying links between housing insecurity and poor mental health.
A recent evaluation of individuals obtaining support from Scotland’s Salvation Army Homelessness Service revealed concerning trends: half of service users are combating mental health issues.
Over 30% showed up without being registered with a GP, and 27% shared that that they had experienced an evening on the streets at the least once before securing accommodation, with many experiencing prolonged periods of homelessness.
The charity, which supports around 7,000 people across Scotland every yr, says the info highlights the urgent need for greater than temporary shelter.
Assistant Territorial Director for Strategic Operations & Development in Scotland Helen Murdoch warned that tackling homelessness means addressing root causes.
“Scotland won’t ever beat homelessness unless we’re in a position to tackle the explanations people turn into homeless in the primary place. Underlying issues comparable to poverty, trauma, abuse, addiction and mental health issues all increase the chance,” she stated.
“That is why we’re calling on all political parties at Holyrood to make homelessness prevention and wrap around support a priority going into next yr’s election.”
A recent Breaking the Cycle report by the charity revealed an 87% increase over the past decade amongst households which are homeless combating the twin problems with mental health challenges and substance dependency.
Ms Murdoch said: “The Scottish Government, councils, health providers and charities working together, with proper funding, can prevent homelessness before it starts and save lives this winter.”
James, who once lived in a Salvation Army hostel in Edinburgh and now works for the organisation, shared his perspective: “I’m actively attempting to get a everlasting home after bouts of homelessness throughout my life.
“An integrated approach is required and a complete load of support measures put in place to assist people tackle trauma, criminal justice issues, addiction and mental health challenges like anxiety. All this must be addressed together, with the person on the centre.
“When you’re homeless you don’t have security and it’s hard to project into the long run if you’re cold, lonely, hungry and drained – who wouldn’t be anxious, nobody desires to live like that.”
The Salvation Army runs residential accommodation often known as Lifehouses alongside outreach services to assist individuals foster autonomy and re-build their lives following homelessness.
Support ranges from locating everlasting housing and financial advice to employment training and addiction recovery programmes.
The organisation has also reported a steep rise within the time individuals are staying in its accommodation – from 297 to 338 days – reflecting Scotland’s shortage of inexpensive housing.
Ms Murdoch said: “We all know what must be done. The next parliament must prioritise addiction support within the evenings and at weekends; improved mental health services in communities; plus increase the supply of inexpensive homes to present vulnerable people stability, accessible local healthcare and – above all – hope for the long run.”
The Salvation Army invites anyone vulnerable to homelessness to get in contact or to succeed in out to their local council.
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