Den 20 november bjöd Global Utmaning, tillsammans med Riksbyggen, in till ett rundabordssamtal om bostäder för jobb och unga. Detta var del 1 en serie av 4 samtal. Tanken med samtalen är att lyfta fram och diskutera ungas perspektiv samt identifiera strategiska frågor. Prof. Howard Williamson, European Youth Policies, University of South Wales, gav en europeisk utblick med avstamp i hans arbete.

1. Youth, housing and jobs
Some observations on
leaving ‘home’ and
transitions to
independent living
Dr Howard Williamson
Professor of European Youth Policy
© University of South Wales

2. Transitions and aspiration
Transitions
• Education and employment
• Families of origin to families of destination
• Dependent to independent living
• Ascribed to achieved cultural identities
Aspirations
• Beware the ‘spectacular, deviant and bizarre’!!
• Usually modest aspirations for the future
- a job, a home, a car, holidays……
• Housing – dry, warm and adequate
- Tai Cymru Management and Welfare
Idealism or Pragmatism…. ‘get real!’
• Single issues and young people’s politics
• Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
• Ecology, sustainability, energy efficiency & saving the planet
•Cost!
© University of South Wales

3. Leaving home
When it works
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A time of own choosing
Personal (family) resources
Variety of forms of living together
Hidden support
Boomerang kids
Internal departure
When it doesn’t work
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No home; from public ‘care’
Forced departure
Sudden departure
No support
Personal isolation
© University of South Wales

4. Two stories
Mark’s flat, and my help
Getting over the Berlin Wall
© University of South Wales

5. Six key questions for youth policy
Sub heading
Small body copy or bullet point layout,
clear and concise messages.
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Bullet one
Bullet two
Bullet three
Bullet four
© University of South Wales

6. Models for development
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Combining vocational training and housing
Self-build, re-design and renovation
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Combining accommodation and employment
The Foyer movement (Havens and Springboards, by
Colin Ward 1997)
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Taster tenancies
(RCT Homes)
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A whole community approach
(Netherlands)
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© University of South Wales

7. Conclusion – Transforming the
Cycle
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Very different housing transition journeys
across Europe (the French research)
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Different transition journeys amongst different
social groups of young people in the same
country
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This requires tailored responses and initiatives
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But need:
- recognition of the issues/challenges
- connection with wider youth policy
- convergence with youth aspirations
© University of South Wales