Research findings have revealed that four individuals experiencing homelessness passed away daily last year, including 11 children, four of whom were infants. A charity recorded a total of 1,611 deaths among homeless individuals in the UK, marking an increase from 1,474 in 2023 and 1,313 in the preceding year, as reported by the Museum of Homelessness.
Debby Wakeham, a grieving mother whose son tragically died at a hostel earlier this year, commended the research, emphasizing the intrinsic value of every human life. Reflecting on her son Richard Sanders’ struggles with addiction and mental illness, she highlighted the importance of not measuring a person’s worth by material possessions or societal status.
Richard, aged 56, was found deceased in south London due to a suspected heart attack. Despite his challenges, Debby recounted Richard’s past achievements as a skilled forklift driver in the construction industry before his health deteriorated.
Describing Richard’s behavior towards the end of his life as a dichotomy of personalities, Debby noted his knowledge and kindness alongside periods of paranoia and anger likely influenced by substance abuse. She fondly remembered his love for animals and intellectual curiosity.
The Museum of Homelessness’ director, Matthew Turtle, emphasized the systemic failures that contribute to the plight of homeless individuals and called for urgent government intervention to address the crisis.
Notably, the report indicated that the majority of the deaths were related to drug or alcohol use, with a total of 1,142 fatalities in England, 211 in Northern Ireland, 168 in Scotland, and 90 in Wales. While Scotland and Wales saw a decline in deaths compared to the previous year, Northern Ireland and England experienced a rise, particularly in regions like the south-west, east midlands, and east of England.