More homeless people suffering mental health issues as charity reports rise in numbers
Depaul Photo: Reveals 2022 A From Alone, Marking Annual Charity Supported Impact In Report The 2023 The File Jones/pa 46% 10,936 Has People Increase Latest Victoria
A leading homeless charity has highlighted the need for long-term solutions for Ireland’s housing crisis, following an 85% increase in the number of families using its services within 2023.
The latest Depaul annual impact report reveals the charity has supported 10,936 people in 2023 alone, marking a 46% increase from 2022.
Of these, 8,445 adults and 2,491 children were helped by the charity throughout the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, with 18 babies born within their care last year.
The issue of declining mental health facing those in temporary accommodation is also depicted in the report. On any given night, at least one in seven service users reported mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.
Depaul staff dealt with 276 cases of suicidal ideation and 140 cases of self-harm in 2023.
David Carroll, CEO of Depaul, emphasised the need for urgent action to address the growing complexities of homelessness and mental health, saying: "The intersection of homelessness and mental health has never been more acute.
"With over 1,299 service users reporting mental health concerns in 2023, it’s clear that temporary accommodation is simply not suitable for many of them.
“These environments exacerbate issues like depression and anxiety, and we must prioritise long-term, housing-led solutions that provide both security and comprehensive support.”
Dermot Murphy, Director of Services and Development at Depaul, highlighted the organisation’s role in responding to the growing complexity of needs among their service users.
"Many of our service users face a range of complex support needs, including physical health, mental health, and addiction issues. Homelessness exacerbates these challenges, severely affecting both physical and psychological wellbeing while stripping individuals of fundamental rights like housing and healthcare.
"Temporary accommodation is not a solution for them; it’s a band-aid and one that often makes their mental health worse. We need more targeted investment to create permanent housing and provide mental health support that is both immediate and long term", he said.
The charity is conducting “extensive research” on the link between mental health and homelessness in Ireland, which will be published in early 2025.
Tuesday's report calls for “immediate governmental and societal action” to overcome these challenges and requests a review of mental health services in Ireland to better understand these issues.
Increased funding for staff members and urgent political attention to address the 6,000 people in Direct Provision, are also among the actions called on by the charity.
“We are at a critical juncture. Unless we take bold, co-ordinated action now, particularly in budget 25, the crisis will worsen. The government must act swiftly, not only to meet the immediate needs of the growing number of people experiencing homelessness but also to address the underlying systemic issues that are contributing to this crisis,” David Carroll said.