Exploring the Impact of Temporary Accommodation on the Health of Children in Hertfordshire

Why is this research needed?

Children and families seeking asylum or refuge may live in so-called temporary accommodation for months or even years. Concerns about the conditions families experience extends to the impacts of this accommodation on children’s and parents’ health and wellbeing. However, little research has explored their experiences outside of major cities.

What are we doing?

We will use a mix of mainly qualitative methods to explore how living in temporary accommodation affects the physical health, mental wellbeing, and social lives of children and young people (aged 5–18) in Hertfordshire. 

How are we working with communities, services and organisations?

Carried out in collaboration with children, families and organisations concerned with their wellbeing, we will explore what matters most to children and their parents, what health and wellbeing mean to them, how these are affected by their living conditions, and what changes they think would improve their lives.

The project also aims to build meaningful relationships with children, families and organisations locally to inform co-created outputs and a larger, future programme of work. 

What will the impact and benefits of this research be?

We will share findings via a short report, executive summary, presentation to the County Council and partner organisations and other outputs, aimed at informing policy decisions at the local level.

What do we have planned for knowledge mobilisation and implementation?

Findings will be shared with Hertfordshire County Council, local voluntary and community sector organisations, and service providers to help improve support for children and families living in temporary accommodation. We will work closely with voluntary sector partners to support knowledge mobilisation and ensure findings reach relevant stakeholders. Through short reports, presentations and discussions, we aim to raise awareness of the challenges families face and identify practical recommendations that could inform local policies, services and future research.

Related papers, outputs and resources

Outputs will be added when available