NEARLY 20 homeless people died in Southampton last year, research has revealed.

The number of tragic deaths was up by ten from 2020 when eight people experiencing homelessness died.

The death toll comes from research by the Museum of Homelessness.

The figures from the Museum of Homelessness include people sleeping rough as well as those placed in emergency accommodation and other insecure settings.

Stewart, a Southampton man in his 40s who has mostly been homeless since he was a teenager, told the Echo: “Lots of people have got drink and drug problems around here.

“A lot of people are injecting in the B&B where I normally stay.

“It’s a complete misery.”

It comes as a Southampton charity said homelessness must be tackled early on.

“We see many people with massive physical and mental health problems,” said Tony Kealle from The Society of St James.

“Many have a poor lifestyle, prioritising alcohol and substances over food.

“But we don’t see drug and alcohol abuse as the problem, we see it as a symptom - a symptom of repeated trauma,” he added.

READ MORE: Attempted murder arrest as man seriously injured in Southampton

“The government should support people at the point when they are going through these traumatic life experiences, which is most often when they are children.”

Each death was verified by a freedom of information request, coroners’ report, charity or family member, the Museum of Homelessness said.

And it comes as nore than 1,000 households in Southampton were tipped into homelessness during the first 18 months of the coronavirus pandemic according to housing charity Shelter.

A Southampton City Council spokesperson said they have taken hundreds of people off the streets but there “remains work to be done”.

They said: “This data, while showing a decline in rough sleeper deaths in recent years, is a sad reminder that there are still people out there who need support even when accommodation needs have been resolved.”

The council said anyone needing shelter can visit the Homeless Day Centre at 30 Cranbury Avenue.

Anyone worried about rough sleepers can call 023 8083 2343 or email streethomeless@southampton.gov.uk

By George Lithgow

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