Rough Sleeper deaths rise in South West in 2024
It's according to research by the Museum of Homelessness
A Wiltshire-based homelessness charity says new research revealing a rise in homeless deaths matches what they're seeing across the South West.
A study by the Museum of Homelessness shows the number of people dying on UK streets has risen by 9% in the last year - and includes 11 children.
The research suggests at least 147 people in the South West died whilst homeless in 2024.
Naomi Webb, Head of Homelessness at Salisbury-based Alabaré, said it's reflective of what they've been seeing.
She told us many people experiencing homelessness have multiple complex needs, including mental health, trauma, substance misuse and lack of access to stable accommodation.
The charity is seeing more rough sleepers use its drop-in services, which provide showering facilities, as well as hot food and drinks.
Naomi said: "The increase coming through our drop in centres would heavily suggest that the numbers of those sleeping on the street significantly rising.
"The impact of being on the streets does have a profound effect on your well-being and your health, which ultimately, unfortunately, if it's not picked up leads to death."
The research suggests the true number of deaths is likely higher, as some local authorities might only record when the person who has applied to their local council for homelessness help dies in temporary accommodation, rather than all the members of their family.
Naomi said hidden homeless is a big problem, with some people not necessarily reaching out to services for support.
She told us it highlights the need for outreach and investment in front line services.
"It's not always a natural reaction for those experiencing or sleeping to go to a local authority for housing assistance if they've had previous bad experiences," she said.
The study's Project Director, Matthew Turtle said the data shows people are being let down and called for urgent Government action, something Naomi said Alabaré fully backs.
She said: "People experiencing homelessness are often let down by fragmented systems and unlimited resources as we all face budgetary, instability, including the local authorities.
"We support calls for increased government action to ensure that services are properly funded, they're integrated and they're equipped to meet the full range of support needs, so no one's left behind and sleeping on the streets."
Government committed to boosting homelessness services
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government says it set out to invest a record £1 billion in homeless prevention services this year.
The Government also wants to tackle homelessness through action on housing conditions across social and private rental sectors, with the impending Renters' Rights Bill one tool aimed at improving situations for people renting.
Homelessness Minister, Alison McGovern, said it is "heartbreaking" that so many people had died.
She said: "Every loss of a life, especially the death of a child is an abject failure that cannot be tolerated.
“We simply cannot accept this as normal. Every person deserves a safe place to call home, which is why we are accelerating efforts to tackle the root causes of homelessness, expanding access to safe accommodation whilst also strengthening support services.”