Homeless charity rough sleeping scheme reveals 'disturbing levels of need'

Tue, 11 Feb 2020

A pilot scheme aimed to reveal the extent of rough sleeping on the Island has ended.

 

Graih, a local charity serving the homeless and those in insecure accommodation, ran the Pilot Night Shelter scheme from the end of January 2019 to the end of last month.

 

It involved opening up throughout the night every single night and offering warm, safe, emergency shelter to any adult over eighteen who needed it.

 

Graih’s Manager Erica Irwin said: 'We had seen rising demand through 2018 but this was the first time we’d been able to offer consistent, guaranteed shelter.'

 

Throughout the last year, 534 bed spaces were offered to 59 guests - the oldest guest an 88-year-old woman, the youngest being 18. 

 

The vast majority of guests were Manx residents and over three-quarters of the guests at the Shelter were male.

 

Erica continued: 'By the summer of 2019 we were already disturbed by the levels of need. We welcome vulnerable and marginalised people and our fantastic staff and volunteers ensure guests are treated with kindness, supported and encouraged.'

 

Last year, over 6,000 meals were served to guests through the drop-in, which provides a safe social space alongside practical provision and the chance to get help with deeper problems.

 

The Shelter strengthened Graih’s links with wider networks in the statutory and third sector. The Police, Hospital, Benefits and charity partners such as Housing Matters all sent guests to the Shelter and found it an invaluable resource. 

 

They continue to work closely with professionals from Health and Social Care and Mental Health to better support the vulnerable adults they welcome.

 

The Pilot Night Shelter was made possible through grants from the Manx Lottery Trust, the Treasury, DHSC, Churches Alive in Mann, the Elizabeth Clucas Trust, AFD Software, Peel Charity Shop and others.

 

Graih has secured a small amount of additional funding for the Shelter to enable them to extend it until the summer of 2020 but is seeking funding of £250,000 per year to cover both the Shelter and their existing day-time work.

 

'We would love to build on what we’ve learned and continue to welcome some of the most vulnerable people in our society,' said Erica. 'If you can help in any way, please get in touch.'

 

Graih is based at The Alpha Centre on Broadway in Douglas and opens every night from 9 pm. 

 

Further opening hours and details can be found at www.graih.org.im. 

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