Posted 13.02.15
A new report from Lemos&Crane - Trends and Friends: access, use and benefits of digital technology for homeless and ex-homeless people - examines the impact of digital technology on the lives of homeless and excluded people.
The majority of the 319 people interviewed make regular use of digital technology - to stay in touch, explore interests and access services. But many face practical, social and financial barriers to doing so. The report outlines practical steps that homelessness services could take to improve the well-being of their service users.
The report considers the impact of the ubiquitous use of digital technology on excluded and marginalised people. The research comes at a moment of great change in service provision, with more and more services now being conducted online.
The report is based on qualitative interviews and peer research involving over 300 people with direct experience of homelessness and presents their experience of accessing and using digital technology and its impact on their day-to-day lives and well-being.
Key findings include:
Updated 09.02.15
Modernisation of Homeless Centres Set to Start
Birmingham's three homeless centres are set for a £3 million refurbishment, modernisation and upgrade.
Birmingham City Council is set to approve the full business case for the £3.016 million programme and work will start in April.
The centres in Bournville, Nechells and Acocks Green provide emergency accommodation for almost 150 households in crisis, many of whom are fleeing from domestic violence or fires. They are staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year - ensuring families are supported before moving on to live independently.
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Media Watch
Our housing system fails young people who fall between the cracks - Hannah Fearn, the Guardian Housing Network.
