Between the 13^th and 20^th of December, a mix of individuals from northern England and Northern Ireland, aim to walk from the Titanic Museum in Belfast across to Donegal on the west coast, in aid of the Simon Community – a charity focused on addressing homelessness. The distance is just over 100 miles. The intention is to walk roughly 15 miles per day. The catch however is that all of us taking part will be sleeping rough en route. No tents. The only shelter available will be that provided by sleeping bags and waterproof liners. The challenge takes place in the depths of winter with the route taking in stops at Antrim, Magherafelt, Goles Forest in the Sperrins, Castlederg, Killeter forest in the Barnesmore Bog natural heritage area, before finally finishing up in Donegal town itself. 

The average life expectancy of a homeless person in the UK is 47 for males and 43 for females. This life expectancy is lower than for those born in the Central African Republic, a country boasting a lower life expectancy than anywhere else in the world. Being homeless is hugely damaging to an individual’s health, not simply due to exposure, although this is a factor, but also due to the negative lifestyle choices associated with living on the streets. Those who are homeless are 3.2 times more likely to be admitted to hospital than those living in permanent accommodation. This health disparity also creates significant financial costs for the NHS. 

The financial implications of homelessness go further than simply those attributed to health. Ministry of Justice statistics recently released cite that, “more than three-quarters of prisoners (79 per cent) who reported being homeless before custody were reconvicted in the first year after release, compared with less than half (47 per cent) of those who did not report being homeless before custody. Research evidence suggests that homelessness and offending behaviours are interwoven and mutually perpetuating. For example the total costs for a drug offence conviction is estimated at around £16,000.” One of the striking facts about homelessness in this country is its link with mental illness. The proportion of homeless people with diagnosed mental health problems (45%) is nearly double that of the general population (around 25%). In particular, the incidence of depression amongst homeless people is substantially higher at 36%. Further to this, of those diagnosed, 6% suffer from schizophrenia, 6% from bipolar disorder, and 7% from post traumatic stress disorder. 12% have been diagnosed with two or more mental health conditions. It is important to note that these statistics reflect only those diagnosed. Homelessness is therefore not an isolated issue. It is linked to issues of physical health, criminal justice, and perhaps most importantly, mental health.

The welfare system has gaps and unfortunately many vulnerable individuals are falling through. These are gaps that charity organisations have been left to try and fill. The Simon Community alone supported over 9,000 people in 23 hostels last year. In addition they have also received over 33,000 phone calls to their advice line, an uplift of over 5,000 on the previous year. Over half of those receiving help are under the age of 25. It is a particular problem for those leaving the care system and who lack family support structures.  It is for these reasons that we have decided fundraise on behalf of the Simon Community and would sincerely appreciate any support. To make it easier just text QKAU80 followed by the amount (£1, £2, £3, £4, £5, or £10) to the number 70070.