"I feel like a blot on a computer screen"

The launch event is for all individuals and organisations interested in the nature and impact of Hidden Homelessness on people in Plymouth and the surrounding areas. It will be held in Room 309, the Levinsky Room in the Roland Levinsky Building at the University of Plymouth, on 9th November 2024 2pm to 4.30pm. Refreshments will be provided.

The launch will reveal the results of detailed research conducted over the summer examining the meaning, current situation and impact on individuals in the South Hams, Plymouth and Cornwall of Hidden Homelessness. Data from individuals struggling with Hidden Homelessness, the viewpoint of several organisations dealing with the consequences and secondary data sources, are combined with selected brief case studies to demonstrate the real impact of Hidden Homelessness on people’s lives.

The report was commissioned by Citizens Advice who has recently seen a significant increase in the number of people in the Plymouth and surrounding areas who are trapped in unsuitable accommodation and unable to afford to move out and on with their lives. These individuals find themselves ‘sofa surfing’, habituating ‘beds in sheds’, living in cars/vans, three generations of a family having no option but to live in the same accommodation, in unsuitable temporary accommodation or having to move to other parts of the country to find suitable accommodation.

Unofficially termed ‘Hidden Homeless’, these people are hidden from statistics and support services, and therefore trapped in vulnerable circumstances. The ‘hidden homeless’ scenario is potentially exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis and lack of affordable homes to buy or rent, in both rural and urban areas of the region. Moreover, a rise in Section 21 evictions, competition from the holiday and second home market, Airbnb, rising rents, spiralling energy prices and high inflation, has created a significant housing crisis in the Plymouth region.

The project seeks to examine the extent and problems caused by Hidden Homelessness in the PL postcode area. Hidden Homelessness is a very under-researched subject, not least because of the lack of a clear definition, and associated recognition by government departments. Since there is no official definition of Hidden Homelessness, our work on this project will include formulating a definition, which we would encourage other charities and authorities to adopt.

The research was conducted jointly by Plymouth Business School researchers and Citizens Advice case workers as part of the University's Get Involved Awards.

The launch event will include:

• the report findings;
• recommendations to improve the situation;
• an opportunity for question and answers;
• refreshments and an opportunity to network.

The event also provides an opportunity to discuss the possibilities of forming a partnership campaign group, to lobby for a sustainable solution to the Hidden Homeless crisis Plymouth, South Hams and Cornwall.

By completing the registration form, you provide your consent for the University of Plymouth to use your personal information for the purposes of managing your attendance at this event and where appropriate follow up research and non-research activity.

Host or Publisher University of Plymouth Events Team