DOZENS of homeless deaths in the BCP Council area are a ‘heartbreaking tragedy felt by the whole community’, a councillor has said.

Estimates from the Office for National Statistics suggest one homeless death was registered in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole last year, while 52 people have died since records began in 2013.

A snapshot Government survey taken on one night between October and November 2020 found that 25 people were sleeping rough in the area at that time.

And separate figures from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government show 2,093 households were identified as being homeless, or at risk of homelessness, during the first year of the pandemic.

Councillor Hazel Allen, lead member for homelessness, said “Any death is heart-breaking and is a tragedy that can be felt by the whole community.

“Homelessness is an issue which is extremely important to us and we are committed to ensuring that those who are homeless, inclusive of rough sleeping, are supported and offered suitable accommodation.

“Therefore, we are part of the BCP Homeless Partnership along with many local charities, businesses and public sector organisations to help work towards the big vision of ‘everyone having a safe place to call home’.”

There are a number of initiatives in place including new contactless donation points where residents can donate via touch screens, with 100 per cent of the money going directly to help homeless people.

Following the pilot launch in Bournemouth, these have also further expanded into Christchurch and Poole.

BCP Council is also planning a new health and housing hub which will provide support to those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, offering health services, showers, access to computers and ongoing support.

Cllr Allen added: “On average we have prevented homelessness for 96 households every month this year thanks to the collaboration of all those organisations signed up to and involved in the Homelessness Partnership.”

Andrew Teale, Service Manager for St Mungo’s in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole said: “Every one of these deaths is a tragedy, and our hearts go out to the families and friends of the people who have lost their lives.

“We know street homelessness is dangerous which is why our specialist outreach teams are out 365 day a year finding people who are sleeping rough and supporting them off the streets as they take their first step in their journey to recovery.

“We work closely with BCP Council and other partners in the Homelessness Partnership to offer support to meet each individual’s needs.

“Members of the public can help if they see somebody sleeping rough, by making a referral and providing as much information as possible to Street Link via the app or our 24/7 phone line: 01202 315962.”