Every year, the 10th of October marks World Homeless Day, an internationally recognised day to draw attention to homelessness as a global issue, as well as highlighting the needs of people who experience homelessness within the local community.
World Mental Health Day also takes place on this day, which highlights the importance of treating mental health the same as physical health. Mental health carries a stigma, so WMHD also encourages everyone to reduce the stigma by talking about it.
It is important for us to acknowledge both World Homeless Day and World Mental Health Day, as we work closely to help people experiencing homelessness, as well as assist people with mental health support needs.
The issues of homelessness and mental health go hand in hand with each other, as mental ill health is both a cause and a consequence of homelessness or housing insecurity. According to Homeless Link, 82% of people experiencing homelessness have a mental health diagnosis. With 1 in 77 people in Brighton and Hove experiencing homelessness (Shelter), we must recognise the overlap between homelessness and mental health. This ensures that we continue to provide the best and most appropriate support for our clients.
As part of recognising these important awareness days, we have spent the past week highlighting them on social media. We have shared national statistics, highlighted stories from former clients and spotlighted First Base Day Centre. You can find this content on our LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook accounts.
David Chaffey, Chief Executive of BHT Sussex, said:
October 10th brings together World Homeless Day and World Mental Health Day. As many of our clients know all too well, it is not just one day a year that these topics cross over. For someone experiencing homelessness, for someone with mental health needs, and those who are experiencing both, everyday centres around homelessness and mental health.
Homelessness can cause or exacerbate mental ill health, and vice versa, and we heard only this week that 1,611 people died in 2024 whilst homeless, which is why preventing homelessness is so important in the services we provide. Last year we prevented 2,142 households from becoming homeless.
On this year’s World Homeless Day and World Mental Health Day, let’s intensify our efforts to help those who society often leaves behind, and continue these efforts into every day of the year.”
If you would like to support our work in homelessness and mental health, please donate here, if you can.
If you require housing advice, contact details for our services in Brighton, Eastbourne and Hastings can be found here.
