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.”

Source of information Shelter

Allen Walkey

Highly experienced businessman with a successful career in property sales and investment both in the UK and abroad. Now a freelance writer and blogger for the property and Investment Industry, keeping readers up-to-date with changes and events in a rapidly changing world.

You May Also Enjoy

Breaking News

Popping the Asking Price Bubble

Where in the Uk Can Buyers Snap Up Property Bargains and Where Properties Go for a Premium Above Asking Price   New research from fast selling property company, Upstix has uncovered the UK’s most surprising postcodes for snapping up a property at bargain prices this year, highlighting a widening gap between sellers’ expectations and the…
Read More
Rightmove logo
Breaking News

Highest demand to lease office space since pre-pandemic

The latest insights from the UK’s number one commercial property website Rightmove, reveals that the number of unique enquiries to lease office space is at its highest point since pre-pandemic, as businesses look for spaces that meet modern requirements. Demand to lease office space is 19% higher than the same period a year ago and…
Read More
Planning disputes on new build land
Estate Agent Talk

Planning consultations for major infrastructure to be streamlined

Robert Bruce, a planning and infrastructure partner at law firm Freeths LLP, said he: “Welcomed the change as a significant step to speeding up the DCO process and the focus on the quality and effectiveness of the consultation, rather than box ticking and a risk averse approach to pre-application consultation due to the current legal…
Read More
Breaking News

‘The property ladder pulls further away’ warns Open Property Group

For many first-time buyers across England, the dream of homeownership continues to slip further out of reach. Despite rising wages, soaring house prices are making it harder than ever to get on the property ladder. A leading UK professional house buying company ‘Open Property Group’ based in Buckinghamshire UK, has raised concerns over the ongoing…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

How Long It Takes to Buy a House in the UK: 5 Common Delays That Can Slow Down Your Home Purchase

Wondering how long it takes to buy a house in the UK? The average timeline ranges from 8 to 22 weeks, but even that can stretch significantly due to unexpected delays, especially if you’re a first-time buyer or caught in a chain. That’s why working with experienced professionals like Belvoir — one of the UK’s…
Read More
Love or Hate Rightmove
Breaking News

Rightmove to host Renters’ Rights Bill webinar with Guild of Lettings

Rightmove is hosting a live and interactive webinar session with the Guild of Lettings to help agents get Renters’ Rights Ready. The webinar will take place from 10:00am – 11:00am on Wednesday 23rd April. Susie Crolla, Managing Director for the Guild of Lettings, will be joining Rightmove to help agents with questions they may have about…
Read More