Uniquely NI: How the Troubles still fuel homelessness

Exposure to sectarian and political violence in childhood is a defining feature in the lives of homeless people in Northern Ireland. That’s according to research into how people living in hostels here have grown up. The study found they are three times more likely to have experienced Troubles-related violence than the rest of society. The Childhood Adversity and Homelessness in Northern Ireland was carried out in partnership with the Simon Community. The charity’s Director of Homelessness Services Kirsten Hewitt and Head of Research Karen McAllister join Declan to unpick their findings while Donna, who was homeless at 18, tells us how growing up in west Belfast during the 1980s impacted her mental health. Get in touch: [email protected]