Simon highlights health problems

More than a quarter of people using Dublin Simon Community services have both a physical and a mental health condition, a survey for the charity has found.

The survey, which took place over a one week period from October 27th to November 2nd, found over 60 per cent of people using the services have a diagnosed physical health condition, a further 40 per cent suffer from a diagnosed mental health condition, while 26 per cent suffer from both.

The most common diagnosed health conditions were Hepatitis B and/or C, liver and respiratory conditions while health problems included depression, anxiety and schizophrenia.

Chief executive of Dublin Simon Community Sam McGuinness said the survey proved that “homelessness is not just about a lack of a roof, it is much more complex”.

“People need the adequate resources to move out of homelessness, if they don't, their physical and mental health will deteriorate,” he said.

The survey also found that 79 per cent of the service users were male, 89 per cent were Irish and the majority were in the 26 to 35 year age group. Of those included in the survey, 24 per cent had been homeless for less than a year and 38 per cent had been homeless for over five years.

Two thirds (66 per cent) said they consume alcohol and 56 per cent use one or more drug types.

The report called for adequate supports to be put in place to assist people with their physical and mental health issues, and provide support and treatment for both alcohol and drug addictions in the early stages of homelessness "rather than allow these to take root".

“Though not conclusive…there is some validity in the statement that addictions can often be a consequence as opposed to a cause of homelessness,” the report added.