Recently I’ve come across a single parent family that has been housed in temporary accommodation for 10 years!! I visited this household and was amazed by the cleanliness and order of the house . I discovered that corners were filled with boxes neatly placed on top of each other, boxes on top of kitchen cupboards, suitcases on top of wardrobes. My attention was drawn to the arrangements of three beds and a desk by each bed with pencils, paper, books etc The mother had carefully planned and divided the space in to three equal parts in order to provide space for the children to carry out school work. I praised her and enquired from the mother how she managed to keep the house so clean and in such order?. She answered: “I have no choice, because my daughter suffers from asthma and I must keep everything clean and dust free”
It is a concern for our borough knowing that 5200 household live in TA out of which 8000 are children! Families are trapped by the system, unable to work or earn enough money to cover the high rent charges and utilities. But not only that, the housing conditions and overcrowding affects the children’s health and their development!
I would like to hear from health professionals on what their thoughts are and ways in which they believe the system could be improved and also about their experiences in terms of disclosure in these kind of matters. These families do not need a handout, but a solution to their various issues.
Posted by Indira Kartallozi 
