150 people contact Manx homeless charity

Thu, 15 Dec 2016

150 people contacted a Manx homeless charity last year according to the results of the first ever homeless health needs audit on the Isle of Man.

The research was carried out by Graih - an organisation which works with the homeless - and the Department of Health and Social Care.

Those who contacted Graih over the period included people sleeping rough, sofa surfers and those living in unsuitable and insecure temporary accommodation.

55 individuals were questioned as part of the audit, revealing 92% of homeless people in the Island experience long-term health problems, while 94% have mental health concerns - more than double that of the homeless population in the UK.

Almost half said they'd like greater access to health services, with 72% wanting more help with mental health.