“Homelessness is more than a much-neglected policy problem”: Revolving Doors responds to launch of Government homelessness strategy
The Government has released its long-awaited homelessness strategy, pledging £3.5bn of investment and a cross-Government plan to prevent homelessness before it occurs.
The National Expert Citizens Group (NECG) were closely involved in the development of the strategy. Alongside national homelessness charities Groundswell and JustLife Foundation, NECG members with lived experience of homelessness came together to co-produce and convene a series of forums, contributing insights about their personal experiences of homelessness and the importance of prioritising this devastating issue.
“What needs to be considered is the traumatic experience of being homeless. And that doesn’t stop the moment you come out of homelessness […] Even if you didn’t have mental health issues going into homelessness, you are guaranteed 100 million percent [sic].” – Forum participant
We are pleased to see their voices reflected throughout the strategy, including through the joint foreword they have written, making it clear that homelessness is more than a much-neglected policy problem – for NECG members and thousands of others, it’s something more personal. We are immensely proud of the NECG members who contributed to this strategy, and whose courage, drive and commitment continue to shape change.
Revolving Doors Director of Partnerships Katy Savage said:
“We know all too well the trauma that lies behind homelessness. Poverty, mental health issues, domestic violence – the pain that people are already experiencing is compounded by contact with an underfunded, dysfunctional system which fails those it’s meant to support.
It doesn’t have to be like this. People should not have to hit rock bottom before being able to access support, and so we are pleased to see prevention recognised at the heart of this strategy.
We hope this is the first step towards a more joined-up, responsive approach, and urge the Government to put words into action by maintaining focus on this issue and continuing to listen to those who know the reality of homelessness best: those who have lived it.”
You can read our joint submission to the strategy here:
ENDS
Members with lived experience are available for interview.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please email or call Charlotte Sellers at charlotte.sellers@revolving-doors.org.uk / on 07483 091 774.
Notes to the editor:
- The NECG is co-ordinated and supported by Revolving Doors and consists of people with lived experience of multiple disadvantage who represent the 15 Changing Futures areas. The Changing Futures programme is a £91.8 million joint funded initiative between Government and The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest community funder in the UK, which funds local organisations working in partnership to better support those who experience multiple disadvantage.
- Revolving Doors is a national charity working to break the cycle of crisis and crime. We advocate for a system that addresses the drivers of contact with the criminal justice system, including trauma, poverty and discrimination. We bring independent research, policy expertise and lived experience together to champion long-term solutions for justice reform.
