Detailed contribution information
| Contribution title | “Just the feeling of being stuck”: Stories of homelessness while young in Aotearoa New Zealand |
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| Contribution code | D1.170 |
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| Form of presentation | Poster |
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| Abstract |
Aims In order to thrive, children and young people need healthy, stable and secure housing. I will present findings from a qualitative research project interviewing young people about their experiences with homelessness in Aotearoa New Zealand. This qualitative study was developed in partnership with community housing providers, based on their observation of an increasing population of children and young people experiencing homelessness in Aotearoa New Zealand. Methods Interview questions focused on general experiences, access to services, disruption of schooling and relationships, impacts on wellbeing, and aspirations for housing. The findings are presented through a strength-based lens, in order to advocate for a housing system that better supports young people's health and wellbeing. Results and Conclusions Initial findings indicate that young people experienced particular barriers to housing because of their young age, compounding the common experience of discrimination by ethnicity. Participants expressed that experiencing homelessness had profound and irreversible impacts to their health and wellbeing. A clear theme throughout the interviews so far is that the best support came from friends and family. Participants expressed a desire for the system to better support young people, but that this required something of a ‘leap of faith’ from services to trust them. Finally receiving stable and secure housing was lifechanging for the participants, and many expressed being happy for somewhere safe to raise their children. This research project, supplemented by a parallel analysis in administrative data, will provide a picture of how the housing system can better support children and young people to have a place to call home. |