Over 10,000 children in the West Midlands will wake up homeless this Christmas
1 in every 123 children are living in temporary accomodation.
Last updated 22nd Dec 2022
New research from the homeless charity Shelter has found that 10,540 children are currently homeless and living in temporary accommodation in the West Midlands.
This equates to 1 in every 123 children in the region.
They say there's been a surge in the number of children being forced to live in temporary accommodation because of the cost of living crisis.
The charity also looked into the devastating impact of homelessness on children’s health, education and wellbeing.
They recorded the experiences of more than 800 families with 1,600 children living in temporary accommodation throughout England.
Impact of homelessness on children
•Sharing beds: more than a third (35%) of homeless parents say their child(ren) do not have a bed of their own and are forced to share a bed with another family member.
•Education: almost half (45%) of school age children have arrived at school tired, late or hungry as a result of living in temporary accommodation.
•Play: 6 in 10 (61%) children lack space to play in their temporary accommodation.
•Mental health: 1 in 4 parents (26%) report their child or children being often unhappy or depressed as a result of living in temporary accommodation.
•Social isolation: more than 1 in 4 parents (28%) say their children are finding it hard to make or keep friends as a result of living in temporary accommodation. This can be the result of feeling embarrassed or ashamed of where they live, or because they are unable to have friends to play due to a lack of space or rules that forbid visitors.
And the charity expects these figures to grow as the cost of living crisis continues to deepen the housing emergency.
Polly Neate, Chief Executive of Shelter, said: “A grotty hostel or B&B is not a home, but this is where thousands of homeless children in the West Midlands are forced to live. And many more children will be thrown into homelessness as their parents can no longer afford to keep a roof over their head.
“The housing emergency is robbing children of a secure childhood. Thousands of homeless children are turning up to school too tired to learn – hardly surprising when one in three have to share a bed. Something has gone very wrong when children cannot play because their temporary accommodation is too cramped even for toys, and no friends are allowed to visit.
“Shelter is doing everything it can to help the families who are trying to put on a brave face while experiencing the trauma of homelessness. But as the cost of living crisis deepens
To donate to Shelter’s urgent winter appeal click here.