Service Users

Our client group is predominantly male reflecting trends in homelessness, although the number of women using the centre has risen steadily in recent years and women presently account for approximately 18% of all presentations to the centre. The majority of clients are aged between 26 and 40. On average, the day centre receives between 60 and 70 presentations on a daily basis.

Many clients who use the centre are homeless and either stay in temporary accommodation, including hostel accommodation, supported accommodation and B&B. Approximately 6% of service users presenting to the centre advise that they are sleeping rough. However, a substantial number of clients using the centre have progressed to maintain their own tenancies. Their continued use of the centre perhaps reflects the lack of support they have within the community in addition to the strong workingl relationships they may enjoy at the centre and the need for social contact.

The support needs of clients using the day centre are very diverse and include: substance dependence issues, physical and mental ill health, learning disabilities and offending behaviour. People who use the centre tend to come from areas acutely affected by poverty. The prevalence of unemployment and the lack of meaningful occupation, poor housing, ill health and various cultural problems and factors pertaining to lifestyle can serve to place an increased level of risk on a person becoming homeless. Subsequently, incidences of family, marital or relationship breakdown, bereavement, physical and/or sexual abuse, increased levels of substance misuse, and leaving institutions can all serve to trigger homelessness for individuals who often lack the coping skills and support to deal negotiate such moments of crisis.