Rise in emergency calls to Shelter helpline in 2018

There has been a sharp rise in the proportion of calls to the Shelter Helpline from people at risk of homelessness, according to new data released by the housing charity. 

The figures show there was an 8% rise in the proportion of calls taken by the Shelter Helpline from people at risk of homelessness so far in 2018 compared to 2017. Shelter Helpline staff expect a rise in calls throughout the festive period if this trend continues. 

Worryingly, 44% of these emergency calls were also estimated to be coming from families. 

People at risk of homelessness face a number of ‘risk factors’ to fall into this category. These factors include things like:

·         Receiving an eviction notice from the landlord

·         Falling into rent areas

·         Where someone has either suffered or is at risk of domestic abuse or violence 

·         Disrepair where it is a risk to life or makes the property unreasonable to live in any longer

Shelter is calling on the public to help support the service by buying an item from the Marks & Spencer 
‘Food on the Move Festive Collection for Shelter’, 5% of which goes directly to the charity. 

 Emily Dean, a helpline adviser for Shelter, said: “We’ve seen a rise in calls from the sharp end of the housing crisis. It’s definitely been getting worse in the last year, and we expect things to be especially bad over the winter months.

“We’re speaking to families who are really just a few days away from losing their homes and finding themselves with nowhere to go. This will be even tougher for people as the freezing nights start to close in. 

“There’s no doubt we’re in the middle of a housing emergency right now, so supporting our Helpline has probably never been more important.” 

Mike Barry, Director of Plan A at Marks & Spencer said: “We know our customers care about homelessness and purchasing lunch from our Festive Collection for Shelter is a simple way we can all help make a big difference this Christmas. With a sharp increase in calls to the Shelter helpline over the past year it’s important that we continue to support this meaningful cause.”

Taran, 52, who lives in Gravesend and works as a peer support officer in the NHS’s mental health services, got in touch with the Shelter Helpline back in May when she was faced with an eviction notice. She has since been moved up the housing waiting list and hopes to find a home in the next few months. Taran said:“I was absolutely terrified when I first read that eviction notice. There’s no feeling like being threatened with homelessness, it’s like your whole life is suddenly on a cliff edge. 

“Shelter were really reassuring though, just when I needed some support the most. They always gave me really clear and spot on advice. I’m not sure how I would have coped without their help.”

ENDS   

Notes to Editors

·         Research 

o    Someone is at risk of homelessness if they are homeless from that night, at risk within the next 28 days, or at risk of homelessness but not within the next 28 days. 

o    There was a 7.9% rise in the proportion of calls answered by Helpline staff to people at risk of homelessness between January-October 2018 compared to January-December 2017. In 2018, 34.5% of calls, or 10,173 calls were from people at risk of homelessness. Homelessness status was recorded for 95.1% of calls answered. In 2017, 32% of calls, or 14,772 calls were from people at risk of homelessness. Homelessness status was recorded for 94.3% of calls answered in 2017.

o    In 2018, most months so far saw a higher proportion of calls coming from households at risk of homelessness than in the same month in 2017, except in March and September. 

o    43.5% (4,143) of 9,528 calls from households at risk of homeless in 2018 (Jan-Oct) had children and/or were pregnant. Household type is not recorded for all calls, this was known for 87.7% of calls. Unknown household types were removed from this analysis.

o    Regional figures

·         Notes

o    Shelter’s free, national telephone advice line is open Monday-Friday from 8am to 8pm, Saturday-Sunday 9am-5pm. Housing advisers can support those in urgent need of housing advice, including those who are homeless, imminently homeless, at risk of harm, or very overwhelmed. For urgent housing advice call 0808 800 4444.  

o    Marks and Spencer’s contribution to the Shelter helpline means it is responsible for all calls being answered over October, November and December. 

o    M&S supports Shelter in lots of different ways; from the special Shelter Food on The Move Christmas collection where 5% from every item is donated to Shelter, to donations of head office clothing samples to Shelter Shops and donations from M&S for Sparks Card holders who chose Shelter as their charity.

o    The M&S Festive Collection Range includes 21 products inclusive of sandwiches, wraps, snacks and drinks. This year a vegan sandwich called No Turkey Feast has been added to the range, offering vegan customers an equivalent to the classic Turkey Feast.