Cost of living: ‘Massive concern’ over homeless deaths – as desperate rough sleepers turn to unique initiatives
There are major fears homeless deaths in Scotland could rocket this winter as the cost of living crisis worsens.
The Simon Community charity, which is supporting record numbers of vulnerable people, has told Sky News the number of Scots suffering homelessness is a “massive concern”.
Recent official figures from the National Records of Scotland (NRS) reveal an estimated 250 homeless people died last year, which is around 50% higher than in 2017.
Lorraine McGrath, the charity’s chief executive, said: “It is a worsening position over the last three to four years, which is a massive concern.
“The vast majority of those people are under 45 years old.
“That is because of the massive health inequalities they face, the stress on their body that leads to premature ageing, that leads to the long-term conditions that may well be easily treatable.
“People experiencing homelessness don’t enjoy the same access to health care, which increases their risk of early death.”
Fears pandemic disguised scale of crisis
The NRS data also confirms the number of children living in temporary accommodation in Scotland has risen to the highest level since records began in 2002.
While the number of people rough sleeping in Scotland has dropped in recent years, charities suggest the pandemic disguised the problem.
In Aberdeen, an army of street volunteers paces the pavements most days, issuing basic supplies to those in need.
Olivia McKay, from Street Friends Aberdeen, said: “I started over a year ago, and we were seeing up to 20 people a day giving them blankets, sleeping bags, food, and clothes.
“Now, because of the cost of living crisis, we are seeing up to 65 people a day.”
Olivia McKay is a volunteer for Street Friends Aberdeen
‘There were tears in his eyes’
There are other unique initiatives that individuals are doing on a community level to help.
On a housing estate in the Highland city of Inverness is Gillian McCann, who makes foil blankets for the homeless using recycled crisp packets.
The retail worker has converted her spare room in to a workshop where she irons materials together to create larger sheets and told Sky News she has provided more than 600 items to those in need.
“The group that I am part of got feedback from a guy who sleeps on the streets and there were tears in his eyes,” she said. “He was so delighted with this. It was life changing.”
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People turn to recycled Christmas gifts
‘No mother wants to choose between food and bills’
Shona Robison, Scottish government cabinet secretary for social justice, housing and local government, said the deaths of homeless people are a tragedy and “something we want to avoid”.
She continued: “Our approach is about getting people in to accommodation but also the wrap-around support to help address addiction, mental health. We are providing funding through local authorities.
“Nobody should have to sleep rough in Scotland, and that’s why we are working with local authorities to identify further solutions.”
Counter-terrorism police are investigating after an incident involving a crossbow and a firearm left two women injured in Leeds.
Police were called to Otley Road at 2.47pm on Saturday to reports of a “serious incident involving a man seen with weapons”, West Yorkshire Police said.
Officers arrived at the scene to find two women injured – and a 38-year-old man with a self-inflicted injury. All three were taken to hospital, with the man held under arrest, but their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
“Two weapons have been recovered from the scene, which were a crossbow and a firearm,” Counter Terrorism Policing North East said in a statement.
The incident happened on the ‘Otley Run’ pub crawl, with one venue saying it was closed for the evening due to “unforeseen circumstances”.
Officers guard one of the crime scenes
Officers inside the cordon in Leeds
Counter Terrorism Policing’s statement added: “Due to the circumstances surrounding the incident, Counter Terrorism Policing North East have taken responsibility for leading the investigation with the support of West Yorkshire Police.
“Extensive enquiries continue to establish the full circumstances and explore any potential motivation.”
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described it as a “serious violent incident” and said she was being kept updated by police.
“Thank you to the police and emergency services for their swift response,” she said. “My thoughts are with the victims and all those affected by this attack.”
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Wrexham AFC have been promoted for the third season in a row.
The North Wales-based side has gone from the National League to the Championship in just three seasons, under its Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
Wrexham were second in the table and had a run of eight games unbeaten ahead of their match against Charlton Athletic on Saturday, which they won 3-0.
Wrexham’s James McClean lifts the League One trophy. Pic: PA
Wrexham’s Dan Scarr celebrates with the fans on the pitch after Wrexham won promotion to the Championship. Pic: PA
It is the first time any club has been promoted for three consecutive seasons within the top five tiers of English football.
The third oldest association football club in the world, Wrexham AFC was bought by Reynolds and McElhenney in 2020, and has since been the subject of a Disney+ documentary, Welcome To Wrexham.
Reynolds, wearing a Wrexham sweatshirt, and McElhenney were pictured celebrating each goal, and after the game, as the fans came onto the pitch at the SToK Cae Ras (Racecourse Ground) to celebrate the victory with the players.
Wrexham co-owners Rob McElhenney (L) and Ryan Reynolds and Ryan’s wife Blake Lively, before the match. Pic: PA
Both stars came onto the pitch after the supporters returned to the stands.
Speaking to Sky Sports, McElhenney praised those behind the scenes, referring to “so many that don’t get the credit they deserve, people who aren’t talked about”.
Reynolds said bringing success back to the club “seemed like an impossible dream” when they arrived in North Wales in 2020.
Wrexham’s Sam Smith celebrates in front of the fans after Wrexham won promotion to the Championship. Pic: PA
He put the three promotions down to “the coaching staff, the greatest dressing room” and an “all for one, one for all” attitude throughout the club, adding he was “speechless with their commitment and their emotion”.
As for the mouth-watering prospect of another promotion to the promised land of the Premier League, the pair agreed it was “for tomorrow”, before ending the interview with a joint mic-drop.
Veteran striker Steven Fletcher said, “as soon as I came to this club, I knew it was something special. We want to go again. We’ll reset in the summer, take a break and go again”.
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