Supporting mothers facing homelessness at OPFS Edinburgh’s ‘Growing not waiting’ group

The length of time families are now expected to stay in temporary accommodation, often moving several times. Can have a lasting impact on a child’s development and places significant emotional and physical strain on parents.

Jenifer Hamilton,
Regional Coordinator of OPFS Edinburgh

07/10/2024

News

For the housing theme of Challenge Poverty Week 2024, we put a spotlight on our ‘Growing not Waiting’ group that offers a safe space for single parents in Edinburgh facing homelessness.

For more information, please email opfsedinburgh@opfs.org.uk or contact Wendy 07827247856 or Emanuela 07341966456.

Find out about this group and other services in Edinburgh.

At first glance, OPFS Edinburgh’s ‘Growing not Waiting’ group, held weekly in the capital, may appear to be just another parent-toddler group. However, it stands out as a vital resource specifically designed for mothers with children under five who are living in temporary accommodation or facing homelessness in Edinburgh.

These weekly sessions provide parents with a warm and welcoming space to connect with other parents, while their children enjoy the freedom to play. In addition to parenting advice, families receive essential support to improve their financial and housing situations, with guidance and support offered by the OPFS Edinburgh Family support team.

Due to the housing shortage across Scotland, families are frequently placed in hotels or B&Bs, which can negatively impact both parents and children, making the experience of raising young children isolating. Many single mothers who attend our stay-and-play benefit from meeting other women in similar situations.

The length of time families are now expected to stay in temporary accommodation, often moving several times, can have a lasting impact on a child’s development and places significant emotional and physical strain on parents. We have seen first-hand what impact this project has had on parents who attend the group.

- Jenifer Hamilton, Regional Coordinator of OPFS Edinburgh

The best part for me at least is that I don’t feel shameful anymore about my situation, living in temporary accommodation. Before coming I felt that I should stay quiet and hide my reality. Here I feel that I can say it with all the confidence, the safeness is possible that I can have.

- Single Parent, Growing not Waiting group participant

Single parents FAQ’s on housing options.

Tips for and by single parents about ‘My home‘ and wellbeing.

Parents have told us they think the Scottish Government should bring forward new approaches to meeting housing need. Four priority areas have been highlighted:

Urgently increase the supply of new social homes;
Make maximal use of existing homes for people in need;
Fully fund local homelessness services;
Maximise affordability across all tenures.

If you or someone you know is living in temporary accommodation in Edinburgh, with a child under five, our weekly ‘stay and play’ sessions take place every Tuesday and Wednesday for mothers who are experiencing homelessness or are in temporary accommodation. We also offer one-on-one support, working closely with agencies specialising in housing and other issues to help you feel more settled and confident about the future.