As the evenings grow darker, the nation begins its festive preparations. The sights and sounds of Christmas are everywhere, with families planning gatherings, shopping for presents, and stocking up on festive treats to celebrate with loved ones. Amidst this seasonal cheer, the stark reality of homelessness remains ever-present. In a quiet doorway, a rough sleeper with a donated coffee to help fend off the cold, lonely. During December, many shoppers pause to offer food, money, or small gifts to those on the streets a gesture of goodwill inspired by the Christmas spirit.

What is happening? Due to the overcrowding in Prisons, an Early Release Scheme has been set up in the UK.   The Government thought that this would help reduce the pressure on prisons and be a starting step of sorting out the Criminal Justice Systems overcrowding. The increase in sentence length is the main cause of overcrowding. The Crown Court (2023) stated the average sentence is 25% longer than in 2012. A spokesperson from the Ministry of Justice said the early release system would give probation staff more time to prepare for prisoner's release and set them up with housing and help. This has not been the case, as former inmates are now seen rough sleeping, and re-offending to get back into the prison.

Trauma can have a profound impact on a person’s life. It plays a significant and often overlooked role in the intersection of mental health, addiction, and homelessness. For many individuals, deep-seated emotional wounds become the catalyst for a devastating cycle of mental health disorders, substance abuse, and ultimately, homelessness. Conditions such as depression, anxiety, and[...]