The island community is grappling with a worrying surge in the number of former inmates forced into homelessness. Support workers and local authorities have voiced deep concern over the lack of safe accommodation options for these vulnerable individuals, highlighting the emotional toll of witnessing ex-offenders endure nights exposed to the elements. Many argue that the current infrastructure is ill-equipped to meet the complex needs of this group, who often struggle with reintegration, addiction, and mental health issues simultaneously.

Efforts to address the crisis include collaborative programmes aiming to:

  • Provide emergency shelter specifically tailored to ex-offenders
  • Enhance mental health and addiction services linked to housing support
  • Increase community integration initiatives to reduce social isolation
Support Service Current Capacity Target Increase
Emergency Beds 10 20 by 2025
Mental Health Clinics 3 5…