Everybody has the right to a roof over their head – a home where they feel safe. But there are currently 117,450 households living in temporary accommodation in England – the highest number since records began. Within those statistics, a shocking 151,630 children are homeless and living in temporary accommodation. Families and individuals can be made homeless for a number of reasons, such as fleeing domestic violence situations, losing an income or being evicted from a rental property. Shockingly, half of working renters are just one missed pay cheque away from losing their home. While local councils may step in to offer emergency housing, this could be a room in a shared house, hostel, B&B or refuge. Others might stay with friends or relatives. The rising figures mean council spending on homelessness has tripled over the past eight years. As the government is urged to deliver and implement a crisis action plan to address homelessness, Woman’s Own speaks to one woman who knows what it’s like to be made homeless as a child, and we explore what can be done to help families in need.
‘I struggled with my mental health’
Sarah*, 36, says: I think it says a lot about my mum that I wasn’t aware of the fact we were homeless for a year when I was a child. Looking back, it must have been an incredibly worrying time for her, and she did her best to shield me and my brother from everything she was going through. But there is no denying that the experience had a lasting impact on my life.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MIND OF MY OWN
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on the gender gap, cats and timed hugs
Check out CHICAGO
With a spectacular skyline, sandy beaches and great food, the Windy City is calling, says Zoe West
LET'S EMBRACE OUR CHRISTMAS TAT!
Becky Dickinson explains why she'll still be rocking around her tinsel-strewn tree this year
BURIED SECRETS
We look at the shocking cases of celebrities posthumously accused of being sexual predators-and how they got away with it
FESTIVE NO-BAKES
Pop on the Christmas tunes and whip up a batch of these easy sweet treats
PROTECT YOUR SMILE
Are you doing enough to look after your teeth and gums?
'TIS THE SEASON TO SHINE!
At last, Hayley McCrossan, 39, feels fit and healthy
FOR THE LOVE OF TOM
When Deborah Mitchell, 57, lost her son, she vowed to help other families facing the same heartbreak
THE NURSE WHO LEFT MY GRANDAD FOR DEAD belict
Rachael Fealey, 31, had one question for the woman who killed her beloved Grampa - how could you?
Coleen's MONEY WORRIES
What are the reasons behind her financial and marriage fears?