More than 170,000 Londoners are living in temporary accommodation. This report explores the experiences of people living with HIV in temporary accommodation.
The report is based on a qualitative research study with people living with HIV in North-East London, with experiences of living in temporary accommodation (TA).
Key findings:
- 70% of people living with HIV were not satisfied with their TA, and identified safety, privacy and discrimination (including because of their HIV status) as key reasons why.
- Over 70% of respondents had been in TA for a year or more. Some were in TA for as long as 10 years.
- Some people living with HIV reported severe negative health impacts from being in TA, including not maintaining their regular HIV care
- Respondents were housed away from their friends, family and chosen medical providers, impacting their wellbeing and care.
Key recommendations:
- People living with HIV should be prioritised when allocating temporary accommodation
- People living with HIV shouldn’t be placed in shared accommodation due to their particular needs for privacy and the risks of stigma and discrimination
- Treatment and support needs must be considered in TA allocations
- Local authorities should identify good TA providers and share their good practices
- Local authorities should carry out HIV training among TA providers and staff
- Health professionals providing housing support letters to people living with HIV should highlight the unique needs of people living with HIV, and the difficulty in maintaining their treatment regimes in shared accommodation
Read the full report below.
12 August 2024