Changing landscape of Homelessness in Northern Ireland

Ireland’s leading cross-border homelessness charity Depaul has released the findings of research commissioned to look at the changing landscape of homelessness and its interaction with substance use in the last 10 years – particularly experienced in the Public Health Agency (PHA) funded low threshold harm-reduction service based in the North West.

The report was undertaken to mark the ten-year anniversary of the running of services in the North-West by a consortium led by Depaul, working alongside Arc Solace and First Housing, funded by the Public Health Agency (PHA).

The Foyle Haven day service, which is part of the consortium, has seen user visits increase year on year during the decade increasing significantly – in 2023 the centre saw 11,404 user visits, almost double that of the previous year.

Key highlights of the research

1. A Decade of Collaboration and Support: Depaul, together with Arc Solace and First Housing, celebrate ten years of delivering ‘Low Threshold Harm Reduction Service’ in the North-West, thanks to ongoing support and funding from the Public Health Agency (PHA).
2. Changing Landscape of Homelessness:
  The research highlights significant changes in the nature of homelessness over the past decade, revealing a growing complexity in mental health issues among service users and a shift in the demographics of those affected – with more females, families and younger people now accessing services.
3. Increased Demand and Complexity:
  There has been a marked increase in the demand for services, alongside more complex cases. This underscores the need for sustainable and flexible solutions to effectively support service users.
4. Rise in Drug-Related Addictions and Mental Health Challenges:
  The findings highlight the changing nature of addiction with more polysubstance addiction (drugs and alcohol) issues presenting and an increase in mental health complexities. These issues are further exacerbated by socio-economic factors such as the cost of living crisis and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
5. Service User Statistics:
  The Foyle Haven day service, which is part of the consortium, has seen user visits increase year on year during the decade increasing significantly – in 2023 the centre saw 11,404 user visits, almost double that of the previous year.
6. Incident Management and Crisis Response:
  The service has also seen increases in level 1 incidents, including cases of suicidal ideation, serious physical injury, overdose, and seizures, as well as Level 2 incidents. The data collected in the report indicates a reduction in the number of crisis interventions – through first response e.g. naloxone administration, relieving pressure on ambulance services and A&E. For example in 2023, staff administered 135 doses of Naloxone. The report outlines a clear ripple effect from the services evidenced in the wider community.

Read Executive Summary Here

Read Full Report Here