Five people died while homeless in Stirling last year as latest figures published

Five individuals tragically lost their lives while homeless in Stirling last year, as per the most recent data released by the National Records of Scotland. The figures revealed a slight decrease in estimated homeless deaths, with five individuals passing away in 2023, down from eight the previous year. Beth Watson, a senior assistant statistician at NRS, highlighted that the number of homeless deaths in 2023 remained similar to the level in 2022. The statistics indicated that half of the homeless deaths in 2023 involved individuals under the age of 45, with the most common age group for both genders ranging from 35 to 44.

In terms of Stirling’s estimated death rate per million of the population, it stood at 65.2 in 2023, a decrease from 112.9 in the prior year. The data also showed no identified or estimated deaths in 2021, while in 2020, six deaths were recorded with an estimate of seven fatalities. Shelter, a housing charity, emphasised the need for more action to address Scotland’s housing crisis following the report’s publication.

Nationally, it was reported that an estimated 242 people lost their lives while homeless in Scotland last year, with a decrease of two from the 2022 figure. Of concern, the number of individuals who died from drug misuse while experiencing homelessness increased from 89 to 100. Men accounted for the majority of homeless deaths at 79%, while women made up 21% of the fatalities. Shelter Scotland Director, Alison Watson, called for urgent and radical responses from the government to combat the housing emergency.

Insights:
The issue of homelessness is a pressing concern that requires immediate attention from policymakers, organisations, and the community. The decrease in homeless deaths in Stirling, albeit slight, is a positive development, but more proactive measures are needed to prevent such tragedies. The statistics highlighting the prevalence of drug misuse-related deaths among the homeless population underline the complex challenges faced by vulnerable individuals. It is essential for authorities to work towards providing sustainable housing solutions and support services to address the root causes of homelessness and prevent further loss of life in the future.

In summary, the latest figures on homeless deaths in Stirling underscore the ongoing need for comprehensive interventions to tackle homelessness and its associated risks effectively. The insights provided by the data should prompt concerted efforts to provide long-term housing stability and support for individuals experiencing homelessness, ultimately striving towards a society where everyone has a safe place to call home.