World Homeless & World Mental Health Day

On the 10th of October 2024 people around the world will mark World Homeless Day in many varied ways, helping to change the lives of people experiencing homelessness in their local community. October 10th is also World Mental Health Day and with 45% of individuals experiencing homelessness having a diagnosed mental health condition, it is fitting that we mark these two days together.

World Homeless Day  recognises that homelessness still exists, even in 2024. It creates conversations, sparks ideas, gets people talking, and the more people talk about an issue, the more likely it will endure in people’s minds.

It also provides a moment for reflection. A chance to pause and revisit success that people who have experienced homelessness have had, as well as the need for organisations to keep up the good work they do to counter the issue.

Whilst it’s a pin in an annual calendar that highlights the concerning issue of people experiencing homelessness, we must remember that homelessness is an everyday occurrence for many people.

As the title of the day suggests homelessness doesn’t have borders.It cuts across them, ignores them, occurs despite them. So on World Homeless Day, Jimmy’s Cambridge stands in solidarity with all the organisations across the World who share the desire to help someone without a place to call home.

Homelessness & Mental Health

Many studies highlight the strong link between mental health and homelessness, painting a grim picture of the challenges faced by people without stable housing. According to Crisis UK, approximately 45% of individuals experiencing homelessness have a diagnosed mental health condition, a figure that rises dramatically to 80% for those who sleep rough.

By the time individuals seek help from homelessness services like Jimmy’s, they have often endured significant trauma, whether in childhood, adulthood, or both. The impact of these experiences without adequate mental health support can be devastating. Many turn to substances like alcohol or drugs as a temporary escape from their pain, providing immediate but fleeting relief.

Unfortunately, this reliance on substances frequently becomes an additional barrier to accessing essential services. Over time, substance use can spiral into addiction, further isolating individuals from the mental health support and social services they desperately need. This cycle of trauma, mental health struggles, and substance abuse perpetuates the instability in their lives, making it even harder for them to regain control and find a pathway out of homelessness.

Here at Jimmy’s we work to address not just the physical aspects of homelessness but also the deep-rooted mental health issues that often accompany it. However, for meaningful, lasting change, more comprehensive mental health support is essential to break the cycle and provide people with the stability they need to rebuild their lives. We are excited to have recently received funding for the new role of Mental Health Nurse. Find out more about the role here.

Will you help support those experiencing homelessness this World Homeless Day?

Donate here