More than 150,000 children are currently living in temporary accommodation in the UK, as reported by official figures. This alarming statistic prompted the House of Commons committee on Housing, Communities, and Local Government to launch an inquiry into the living conditions of these children. Polly Neate, the chief executive of homelessness and housing charity Shelter, expressed her concern earlier this year, stating that those who cannot afford private rents are being forced into homelessness and left to stay in inadequate temporary accommodation for extended periods.
If you are a parent who has experienced living with children in temporary accommodation, we would like to hear from you. How long did you stay in temporary accommodation, and what impact did it have on your family? Did it affect your children’s schooling, wellbeing, and development? Your firsthand experience is valuable and can shed light on the challenges faced by families in this situation.
You can share your story of living in temporary accommodation by filling out a form provided. Your submission can be anonymous if you prefer. Rest assured that your responses are secure, as the form is encrypted, and only the Guardian has access to them. Your data will only be used for the purpose of this feature and will be deleted when no longer needed. For complete anonymity, you can use the SecureDrop service instead.
In addition to providing your experience, you can also share details about yourself, such as your age and occupation, where you currently reside, and how long you have been living there. Please be specific about your experience in temporary accommodation and include as much detail as possible. Describe how it has impacted your children’s health, wellbeing, and education in detail. If you are comfortable, you can also upload a photo of yourself.
Providing your contact details, such as your phone number and email address, can help us reach out to you for more information if needed. Your contact information will only be visible to the Guardian and will be handled with confidentiality.
By sharing your story, you are contributing to raising awareness about the challenges faced by families living in temporary accommodation. Your firsthand account can help policymakers, organizations, and the public better understand the realities of this issue and work towards finding solutions to support those in need. Thank you for sharing your experience and being part of this important conversation.
