Recent official numbers from the National Records of Scotland indicate that an estimated 250 persons died in Scotland in 2018, which is approximately a fifty percent increase from 2017. Although the number of people sleeping rough in Scotland has decreased in recent years, organizations believe the pandemic has obscured the issue.
As the cost of living issue intensifies, it is feared that the number of homeless deaths in Scotland may skyrocket this winter.
The charity Simon Community, which supports a record number of vulnerable people, has stated that the number of homeless Scots is a “huge issue.”
Recent official statistics from the National Records of Scotland (NRS) indicate that an estimated 250 homeless people passed away in 2018, which is approximately a fifty percent increase over 2017.
The charity’s chief executive officer, Lorraine McGrath, stated, “The situation has deteriorated over the past three to four years, which is of grave concern.”
“The vast majority of these individuals are under the age of 45.
This is due to the enormous health disparities they confront, the stress on their bodies that cause early aging, and the resulting chronic illnesses that may be easily curable.
People who are homeless have reduced access to health care, which raises their risk of premature mortality.
Pandemic fears masked the magnitude of the issue.
The NRS data reveals that the number of youngsters living in temporary housing in Scotland has reached its highest level since 2002 when records began.
Although the number of people sleeping rough in Scotland has decreased in recent years, organizations believe the pandemic has obscured the issue.
Most days, an army of street volunteers in Aberdeen distributes necessities to individuals in need.
Olivia McKay, from Street Friends Aberdeen, stated, “When I first began, we were providing blankets, sleeping bags, food, and clothing to up to twenty people every day.
Now, due to the rising expense of living, we see up to sixty-five persons per day.
Tears were visible in his eyes.
There are additional unusual activities that individuals are undertaking to aid their communities.
Gillian McCann lives on a housing estate in the Highland city of Inverness, where she creates foil blankets for the homeless from recycled crisp packets.
The store worker has converted her spare room into a workshop where she irons pieces together to create larger sheets and has supplied over 600 items to those in need.
“My organization received comments from a man who sleeps on the streets, and he had tears in his eyes,” she explained. “He was pleased by this. It was a game changer.”
Shona Robison, cabinet secretary for social justice, housing, and local government in the Scottish government, stated that the deaths of homeless individuals are tragic and “something we wish to avoid.”
She stated, “Our strategy entails not only placing people in housing but also providing comprehensive support to address substance abuse and mental health.” We provide funds through local governments.
No one should be forced to sleep outside in Scotland, which is why we are collaborating with local authorities to seek further possibilities.
