Misuse of alcohol one of the main causes of homelessness

Alcohol misuse is one of the main causes of people becoming homeless in Wales, Deputy Health Minister Vaughan Gething said today.

The Deputy Minister spoke during the official launch of a new scheme at Dyfrig House, in Cardiff, which offers a specialist service for homeless people dealing with drug and alcohol problems.

Research from Public Health Wales shows:

• between 30% and 40% of people become homeless because of alcohol misuse
• an estimated 60% of the homeless population drink alcohol at hazardous and harmful levels
• 40% of homeless alcohol users believe a lack of stable housing is the main barrier to their recovery
• drug and alcohol abuse are particularly common causes of death among the homeless population, accounting for just over a third of all deaths.

This year (2015-16), the Welsh Government is investing almost £50m in programmes to tackle drug and alcohol abuse to reduce the harm caused by substance misuse.

The latest statistics show there has been a 30% reduction in drug-related deaths since since 2010 – in stark contrast to the trend elsewhere in the UK – and there has also been a reduction in alcohol-related deaths. Waiting times for people accessing treatment services over the last five years have also improved.

The Welsh Government is currently consulting on proposals to introduce a minimum unit price (MUP) for alcohol. The proposals are based on evidence, which shows an MUP will specifically target the heaviest drinkers to prevent the harms caused by excessive alcohol intake whilst minimising the impact on moderate drinkers.

The evidence that exists to support a minimum unit price includes research that shows a 50p MUP would prevent a death each week in Wales.

Under the Housing (Wales) Act 2014, local authorities have a duty to help prevent and relieve homelessness, irrespective of their priority need status and should ensure everyone with substance misuse problems is assisted to address their housing and related needs and aid their recovery.

Mr Gething said:

“Each death caused by drug or alcohol misuse is a personal tragedy for the individuals and their family and friends.

“Tackling substance misuse continues to be a priority for the Welsh Government. That’s why we’re investing almost £50m this year in order to reduce the harm caused by substance misuse.

“As a government, we are doing all we can to prevent and relieve homelessness, taking decisive action to prevent homelessness from occurring in the first place and supporting those who find themselves homeless as a result of a drug or alcohol problem to turn their lives around.”

Dyfrig House was originally opened in 1967 to provide drop in advice and support for people who wanted to address problematic alcohol misuse. In later years, the service was developed further to provide accommodation to those who were homeless and wished to access this kind of support.

The refurbished Dyfrig House provides specialist accommodation for 21 people who are at risk of homelessness. It is the only ‘dry’ homeless provision in Cardiff and is popular with service users and professionals due to the unique service it offers.

Mr Gething added:

“Dyfrig House is a great example of the commitment in Wales to providing support to address the complex needs of homeless people with drug and alcohol-related issues, as having a home is a vital component of an individual’s recovery journey.

“It is a modern, high-standard homeless service, which makes a life-changing difference to the people supported here and offers a lifeline for people in the greatest need.”