Equality Commission Northern Ireland

Real Stories - Key Inequalities in Housing and Communities in Northern Ireland

Suitable housing, which is such a basic foundation for all our lives, remains only an aspiration for some people in Northern Ireland. This might surprise some people, because housing inequalities rarely make it to the news headlines or the front pages of our daily papers.

The real life stories which follow tell us about personal experiences, good and bad, of finding and keeping a home. Great strides have been made in public housing provision in Northern Ireland over the past decades, and some of these stories show how imaginative and caring public policies can help people, with spirit and courage, to overcome the difficulties and challenges life has faced them with.

Others reflect the experiences of people who have had to struggle with housing issues for many years. They make for stark reading but they must not be ignored.Their continuing struggles challenge us all.

These stories show that for some, life-altering change has been possible, while for others it remains out of reach. I thank all contributors sincerely for their willingness to share their experiences, both positive and negative.

Bryan and Warren's story Successfully addressing a key inequality: how enabling people with a learning disability to live independently can transform lives and address inequality. View video or read their story>
		Shauna's story Shauna’s story demonstrates the personal impact of social housing waiting times on people seeking homes in particular areas. It’s just one of the stories that lie behind the statistics of housing waiting lists. Read her story>
Ahmed's story An example of how the homes of minority ethnic people can be vulnerable to racial attacks and the severe impact this can have on someone’s life. View video or read his story>
		Hilary's story Successfully addressing a key inequality: how the life of someone with a disability has been transformed through access to housing and support that meets her personal needs. View video or read her story>
Vincent and David's story An example of how LGB people can feel harassed and unsafe in their own homes and neighbourhoods. View video or read their story>

 
 
All of the above stories feature in the Equalty Commission's publication "This place we call home?" (pdf, 1.6mb)



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