Uni of Herts uncover impact of housing crisis on single mothers
Researchers are calling for urgent action
Researchers at the University of Hertfordshire are calling for urgent action to provide safe and stable accommodation for single mothers and their children.
It comes after research found the effects of the UK’s housing crisis on their mental and physical health.
12 single mothers living in temporary accommodation in London were interviewed as part of the study and they revealed experiences of abuse and neglect from the housing system, including degrading treatment from staff and development of suicidal thoughts and PTSD.
After being made homeless, many find themselves stuck in temporary housing indefinitely, often in very poor conditions.
Nina Carey, Clinical Psychologist who led the research during her time at Hertfordshire, said:
“Conducting this research uncovered the devastating effects of homelessness and temporary accommodation on the mental and physical health of mothers and children. Urgent action needs to be taken to provide safe, stable and suitable accommodation for families.
“Individuals, groups and organizations can be led by single mothers, grassroots activist groups such as Focus E15 and charities such as the Magpie Project to provide support and solidarity, and to urge local authorities and governments to take action.”
Some of the women participating in the study, which was published in the European Journal of Psychotherapy and Counselling, were fleeing domestic abuse with one saying the domestic violence she experienced would be more bearable than the systemic abuse she faced in temporary housing, after fearing non-compliance might leave her with nowhere to turn.
The study also highlighted a connection with changes to the children’s behaviour and even physical illness.
Researchers found that many women benefited from community-based action, such as joining local campaign groups, as well as individual acts of resistance – for example, refusing to accept offers of accommodation outside London.
Conclusions found that individual interventions are not the solution. Instead, a collective, system-wide approach is necessary to address stigma and inequalities, where services as well as individuals advocate for guaranteed access to safe housing.
Emma Karwatzki, Programme Director for the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Hertfordshire, said:
“This research further highlights the inequalities and injustice our communities experience in accessing appropriate housing, care and support. It reinforces the crucial need for systemic change at multiple levels. This research also speaks to the strength and solidarity demonstrated by single mothers living in such highly unstable contexts”.
A DLUHC spokesperson said:
“Temporary accommodation is an important way of ensuring no family is without a roof over their head. We have been clear that this type of accommodation is always a last resort and are determined to reduce its need by preventing homelessness before it occurs.
“Councils must ensure temporary accommodation is suitable for families, who have a right to appeal if they think it does not meet their household’s needs.
“That’s why we are giving them £1 billion over three years, to help them tackle homelessness, targeted to areas where it is needed most.”