Recent data from the Museum of Homelessness indicates a concerning rise in homelessness-related deaths in Norfolk. In 2024, nine people died while homeless in the county, a significant increase from five in 2023. The average age of those deceased was 43. The national death toll stood at 1,611, which includes 11 children, reflecting a 9% rise overall, while the East of England recorded 96 deaths, a 41% increase compared to the previous year.
According to Dr. Jan Sheldon, chief executive of the St Martins Trust, contributing factors include the cost-of-living crisis and government shortcomings, which have led to more individuals sleeping rough and losing their lives on the streets. In Norwich, and across Norfolk, an increase in the homeless population has been observed. Local reports indicate that three individuals died on the streets in 2024, while others passed away in temporary accommodations. Of the 96 deaths in the region, 34% were due to physical health issues, 44% were related to drugs or alcohol, and 11% were categorized as suicides.
Notable cases from recent years include the deaths of Marie Cattermole and Nigel Mazs, highlighting a broader issue of homelessness in the area. The Museum of Homelessness attributes the rise in deaths to a lack of affordable housing, insufficient investment in mental health services, and a failure to enact overdose prevention measures.
Homelessness Minister Alison McGovern acknowledged the statistics as indicative of systemic failures. She emphasized the importance of seeing each death as unacceptable and reiterated government efforts to address the underlying causes of homelessness. These initiatives aim to enhance access to safe housing and strengthen support services for vulnerable populations.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj9z9pdeyzwo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss