Sunday Brunch featured soundbites from the above ‘Sussex & Surrey Soapbox’ podcast episode…. to skip chapters click on the 3 horizontal lines (left in the above player). Have your say via WhatsApp (bottom right) or join the conversation in our Facebook Group HERE.
We sit down with special guests Michelle Harfield, Turning Tides and Ian Wilkins, Crawley Open House for a candid, eye-opening conversation about the real causes of homelessness across the SUSY area — and why the story we often hear barely scratches the surface. In the next episode we will tackle escaping homelessness and the services provided by Turning Tides and Crawley Open House.
Together, we challenge common assumptions, moving beyond the narrow image of rough sleeping to uncover a far more complex reality. From the quiet instability of unsafe housing to the long, uncertain stretches in temporary accommodation and hostels, we trace the real pathways into homelessness — shaped by childhood experiences, trauma, sudden financial shocks, and a cascade of life events that rarely happen in isolation.
In Part 1 we explore:
- your 500 comments in 48hrs to our blunt Facebook post across a number of local groups ‘Why are so many homeless in this town?’
- why “homelessness” extends far beyond life on the streets
- how it’s rarely a single cause, but a compounding series of setbacks
- the often-hidden role of childhood trauma and adverse experiences
- addiction as both a coping mechanism and a consequence — not a simple cause
- how Crawley Open House maintains clear boundaries to keep residents safe
- how Turning Tides uses harm minimisation to reduce risk and support recovery
- the scale of hidden homelessness in Crawley — and why “temporary” housing can last for years
- the impact of evictions, the Renters’ Rights Act, and the shift from Section 21 to Section 8
- why early support — from families to children’s mental health services — is key to long-term prevention
In Part 2 we move onto what truly helps people move beyond homelessness—and why simply offering a roof, without long-term support, can sometimes do more harm than good.
Together, we unpack homelessness as a complex, non-linear journey—more “snakes and ladders” than straight path—and examine the structural and human realities that shape it. From the shortage of affordable housing to the unintended consequences of the benefits system, we look at why escaping homelessness is often far more difficult than it appears.
We discuss why stable accommodation must be paired with tenancy sustainment, life skills, and meaningful relationships; how digital exclusion and poor-quality temporary housing create additional barriers; and why models like Housing First—bringing support directly into the home—are proving transformative.
The conversation also explores harm reduction, addiction recovery, and the realities of relapse, including Iqbal’s powerful lived experience of addiction, prison, and recovery with the support of a Naltrexone implant. Along the way, we challenge the idea that people can simply be “fixed,” and instead highlight the importance of long-term, person-centred support.
We also look at innovative approaches like Skywaves in Worthing, where self-contained flats are paired with 24/7 support, and reflect on the critical role of employment, purpose, and positive relationships in rebuilding lives.
Finally, we turn to what members of the public can do—offering practical, thoughtful ways to help that protect dignity and increase safety. From small acts of kindness to using tools like StreetLink to connect people with outreach teams, we explore how compassion, when paired with understanding, can make a real difference.
We also share ways to support organisations like Turning Tides and Crawley Open House through donations, volunteering, and community involvement.
If this conversation resonates with you, follow us on Spotify, Amazon Music, or Apple Podcasts.
Roundtable Featuring: Special Guests – Michelle Harfield (Turning Tides), Ian Wilkins (Crawley Open House), Iqbal Khan, Aga Es, Maureen Jones & Micaela Leal Host: Clive Hilton.
