Next Monday – 3rd February – Anawim’s Accommodation Caseworker will be making a bed outside for the night to raise awareness of the many issues around women’s housing. Aneesa Akbar is joining Lianne Kirkman from the Esther Project on one of her 10 nights sleeping rough.
Problems with housing affect the majority of women who come through Anawim’s doors. Insecure housing, exempt HMOs meaning women are sharing with potentially violent men, the change of Helen Dixon House in Moseley to be mixed sex: all are having an effect. We now provide “kettle only” food bank parcels for the increasing number of women housed in hotels and similar short-term accommodation.
We are increasingly seeing street homeless women, who choose to take their chances outside in the elements rather than sleep inside somewhere they feel is more dangerous. The proportion of women released from prison into homelessness is increasing too, up now to 13%. We also know that Domestic abuse is the second most common cause of homelessness in Birmingham. Less than a third of women and children seeking refuge in an emergency could access refuge accommodation.
With limited access to emergency refuge spaces and increasing numbers released from prison directly into homelessness, the challenges are immense. Simple daily needs, such as having a warm bed, nutritious food, and a safe environment, are often unmet, making recovery and stability even harder to achieve. Initiatives that raise awareness, like spending a night sleeping rough, help shine a light on these issues and encourage communities to advocate for better support structures and long-term solutions.
Quality sleep is a fundamental part of wellbeing, yet it is often disrupted or inaccessible for those experiencing homelessness. For anyone looking to improve their sleep habits or understand their personal sleep requirements, tools like a sleep calculator can provide valuable insight. By calculating ideal sleep durations based on individual routines and needs, people can identify patterns and make adjustments to ensure restorative rest. While the challenges faced by women without stable housing are extreme, understanding the science of sleep underscores how critical a safe, consistent environment is for overall health and resilience.
Access to a safe and comfortable sleeping environment is more than a luxury; it is a necessity for physical and mental health. For those struggling with unstable housing, the absence of a proper bed can disrupt sleep cycles, reduce cognitive function, and exacerbate stress and anxiety. Even for those with secure accommodations, ensuring quality rest requires attention to the comfort and support provided by bedding.
Choosing the right mattress, sheets, and especially pillows can significantly influence how restorative a night’s sleep is, helping the body recover, the mind reset, and overall wellbeing improve. Consistent, uninterrupted sleep allows individuals to face daily challenges with greater energy and clarity, reinforcing the importance of creating a space that promotes true rest.
Aneesa said: “Insecure and unsafe housing is a massive issue for the women who come into our centre. I hope this sleepout will make more people consider the risks some women have to take every day.”
If you want to support Aneesa, and our work, you can sponsor her here.