Single Mothers’ Experiences of Temporary Accommodation: a Suffolk-based Study

Abstract

Family homelessness impacts mental health and wellbeing and is rising in the UK (Carey, 2019; Shelter et al., 2021; Spratt, 2022). Single mothers are most likely to be living in TA with their children, which has been found to be unfit for families (Carey, 2019; McHale, 2021; Spratt, 2022) and impact mental health. However, there is limited research, particularly in rural areas in the UK. This study aimed to explore experiences of single mothers who are living in TA in rural Suffolk, and to explore their perception of the impacts on their and their child’s mental health, wellbeing, and relationships. Eight semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with single mothers who had recent experience of living in Temporary Accommodation in Suffolk. Data was analysed via reflexive thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006; 2019). Five main themes were generated: ‘Living in Temporary Accommodation harm women’s and children’s wellbeing and mental health ‘, ‘Living in Temporary Accommodation: A barrier to parenting’, “A big black hole of nothingness”: Powerless and trapped in cycles of harm’, ‘‘It’s like my life is on hold’’: The double-edged nature of ‘temporary’ accommodation and ‘Location, Location, Location: Where you are housed matters.’ Findings suggest that single mothers’ experiences of living in TA impacted their mental health and their relationships. Living with uncertainty, being treated poorly by others and the responsibilities of being a single mother in rural TA impacted their experiences. Recommendations and ideas for further research are discussed.