Exploring how housing insecurity shapes people’s access to and experiences of palliative and end‑of‑life care, generating the evidence needed to develop more equitable, inclusive and responsive models of support for those living in unstable or inadequate housing.
Why is the research needed?
In the UK, there is increasing policy emphasis on enabling people to die at home. However, this approach assumes access to stable, secure, and appropriate housing. People living in insecure housing often face multiple and overlapping disadvantages, including poorer physical and mental health, social exclusion, and barriers to accessing services. Although housing is widely recognised as a key social determinant of health, its role in shaping access to and experiences of palliative and end-of-life care remains underexplored. This research addresses an important gap by examining how housing insecurity influences end-of-life trajectories and access to care.
What are we doing?
We will conduct a scoping review to examine how housing insecurity is understood in relation to palliative and end‑of‑life care and to identify gaps in the evidence. We will also develop a critical analysis of the theoretical and conceptual approaches used across academic disciplines to understand the relationship between housing insecurity and end‑of‑life experiences.
We will work with community partners to gather in‑depth accounts from people with lived experience through one‑to‑one conversations, ensuring that their perspectives shape the direction of the research. The project will also facilitate workshops that bring together people with lived experience and professionals from health, housing and social care sectors to explore challenges and opportunities collaboratively.
Drawing on these insights, we will co‑develop the focus and design of a future research application aimed at improving care for people experiencing housing insecurity at the end of life.
How are we working with communities, services and organisations?
We are working closely with people with lived experience of housing insecurity and end-of-life care, as well as with community organisations and professionals across health, housing, and social care.
We have established connections with GP practices in Great Yarmouth and with lived experience groups. These partnerships help ensure that the research is grounded in local knowledge and reflects the priorities of both communities and frontline services.
Through ongoing engagement and workshops, participants will play an active role in shaping the research priorities, design, and future direction of the study.
What will the impact and benefits of this research be?
This project will generate new evidence on how housing insecurity affects access to and experiences of palliative and end-of-life care. It will identify priorities for future research and highlight opportunities for service improvement.
The work will strengthen partnerships between researchers, communities, and service providers, and support the co-design of more inclusive and equitable models of care. In the longer term, the research aims to improve access to high quality end-of-life care for people experiencing housing insecurity and to support services in responding more effectively to their needs.
What do we have planned for knowledge mobilisation and implementation?
We aim to ensure that findings from this project are meaningful and used in practice. Our approach includes working with community members and practitioners to co-produce outputs that are relevant and accessible.
Findings will be shared with partner organisations, local services, and policymakers to support learning and influence practice. The project will also inform the development of a larger funding application.
Related papers, outputs and resources
Outputs from this project will include a scoping review of the literature and a critical review of theoretical and conceptual approaches to housing insecurity and end-of-life care.
Additional outputs will include evidence summaries and reports for community and service partners, as well as materials to support a future NIHR funding application. Academic publications, guidance documents, and training resources may also be developed.
Who is involved?
- Dr Melissa Fielding, University of Cambridge
- Dr Ben Bowers, University of Cambridge
- The project is also supported by partnerships with community organisations, GP practices, and lived experience groups across Luton, Stevenage, and Great Yarmouth.
Get in contact
Email Dr Melissa Fielding at mf601@cam.ac.uk.
