A building concern? The health needs of families in temporary accommodation

The number of families living in temporary accommodation in the UK is increasing. International evidence suggests that family homelessness contributes to poor mental health outcomes for both child and parent/carer, yet there is no routine way of understanding these health impacts at a local area level.

A homeless health needs audit was adapted to include questions about family health and completed in survey form by 33 people living in temporary accommodation in the London Borough of Bromley. Data were supplemented through an engagement event with 23 health and community care practitioners.

The small population sample surveyed showed high levels of poor mental health in addition to behaviours that increase the risk of physical ill health (such as smoking) and a high use of secondary healthcare services. Engagement with practitioners showed awareness of poor health amongst this population group and challenges with regard to providing appropriate support.

There needs to be a sustainable and representative way of understanding the health needs of this population group including a comparison of the health needs of people placed in temporary accommodation in and out of their resident area.