A Douglas homelessness charity provided 534 bed spaces for 59 different people last year.

Graih, which supports those struggling to find permanent accommodation, revealed figures from its Pilot Night Shelter scheme to show the extent of rough sleeping in the island.

The scheme launched at the end of January 2019 and came to a close last month.

The shelter was open every night throughout the year to individuals over the age of 18 in need of a warm and safe space to sleep.

Erica Irwin, Graih’s manager, said: ’We really weren’t sure what the level of need would be when we opened up. We had seen rising demand through 2018 but this was the first time we’d been able to offer consistent, guaranteed shelter.’

The oldest guest the charity provided shelter for was an 88-year-old woman, with the youngest being 18.

The vast majority of guests were Manx residents and over three-quarters were male.

’By the summer of 2019 we were already disturbed by the levels of need,’ said Erica.

’We welcome vulnerable and marginalised people and our fantastic staff and volunteers ensure guests are treated with kindness, supported and encouraged.’

In 2019, over 6,000 meals were served to guests through the charity’s drop-in centre, which is open during the day and from 9pm to 10pm every night. It provides a safe social space, practical provision and a chance to get help with deeper problems.

Graih had contact with 300 different individuals last year.

The charity said its shelter strengthened links with wider networks, including the police, the hospital, plus benefits and charity partners such as Housing Matters.

Graih continues to work closely with professionals from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and mental health to better help vulnerable guests.

The Pilot Night Shelter was made possible through grants from the Manx Lottery Trust, the Treasury, DHSC, Churches Alive in Mann, the Elizabeth Clucas Trust, AFD Software, Peel Charity Shop and others.

It has secured a small amount of additional funding for the shelter to extend it until the summer of 2020. This was made possible through the Elizabeth Clucas Trust and an anonymous donor.

’We didn’t want to close in the middle of winter,’ said Erica. ’It’s important for potential guests to know that the shelter remains open every night of the week if people need us.’

Graih is seeking funding of £250,000 per year to cover the shelter and its day-time work.

For more details about Graih, which is based at The Alpha Centre on Broadway, search: www.graih.org.im. Erica Irwin can be contacted on 224807 and [email protected]