Recently, our Whole Systems Approach Lead, Helen Emmings, appeared on the Homeless Link Practice Podcast series, Going Beyond, which explores ways to improve access to support for unhoused women.
In this episode, Helen joined host Jo Turner from Homeless Link and Nicky Pearson from Medway Council to discuss the specific barriers women face when accessing services, especially in comparison to men.
Helen emphasised that one key issue women encounter when accessing homelessness services is the generic, mixed-gender approach. Findings from the recent Women’s Rough Sleeping Census reveal that women experience rough sleeping and homelessness differently to men. Women’s homelessness is often underrepresented in official data due to ‘hidden homelessness’—where women are not typically visible as ‘street homeless’ because they find alternative means of shelter, such as staying in 24/7 buildings or walking the streets at night.
Helen and Nicky pointed out that many women feel safer on the streets than in emergency accommodation, where they may have to share spaces with men, often leading to feelings of insecurity. They shared accounts of women who had faced harassment and exploitation in such environments, further highlighting the challenges women face when seeking support.
The issue of safety is one of the reasons why women are less likely to engage with services. However, as discussed in the episode, while making changes to services can be complex and nuanced, it is both necessary and possible.
To learn more about how services can be adapted to better include and protect women, listen to Season 5, Episode 5: Improving Access to Support for Women.
