‘Support needs’ are a mandate for further investment
Publication of the latest ‘Homelessness in Scotland’ statistics (1) show that almost half of all households assessed as homeless have one or more support needs.
Representing over 14,500 households, around half cited a mental health problem as requiring support. Around the same proportion specified support needs for basic housing management independent living.
Just under a quarter highlighted they needed support for drug or alcohol dependency.
Zhan McIntyre, SFHA Policy Lead, said:
“These statistics highlight the alarming need for support for many of the most vulnerable people across Scotland. Reducing budgets for housing support and community mental health budgets has brought us to a situation where over half the people experiencing homelessness have at least one support need. This is putting tenancies at risk and overwhelming dedicated yet stretched housing officers.
“The number of people identifying a support need is surely a mandate for further investment in housing support and community mental health teams by Health and Social Care Partnerships across Scotland. Without further investment, the transition to Rapid Rehousing and homelessness prevention could be in real jeopardy.”
Ends
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NOTES:
- https://www.gov.scot/publications/homelessness-scotland-2018-2019/
- The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) was established in 1975 and has around 138 members providing affordable housing and wider community services across Scotland, as well as a further 150 sector associates. The SFHA is owned and governed by its members and exists to lead, represent and support the work of housing associations and co-operatives throughout Scotland.
- The SFHA is the voice of housing associations and co-operatives in Scotland. SFHA’s 138 members represent 90% of the sector, own and manage 86% of the 247,000+ housing association stock across Scotland. Together, housing associations and co-operatives provide housing for almost 500,000 people, which is one in every 11 households.
- Over 15,000 staff are employed by SFHA members across Scotland, 93% of the staff within the sector.
- Housing associations and co-operatives are not-for-profit bodies, regulated by the Scottish Housing Regulator.
- If you no longer wish to receive the SFHA’s press releases, please email SFHA Media Adviser Kirsten Walker kwalker@sfha.co.uk