Educating Young People about Homelessness

Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Education – in the Senedd at 1:57 pm on 23 October 2019.

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Photo of Leanne Wood Leanne Wood Plaid Cymru 1:57, 23 October 2019

Like austerity, homelessness is a political choice; it's a political choice made by politicians and by Government, and some people are of the view that homeless people themselves choose to be in that predicament, which is obviously complete rubbish. But that view is reinforced by authorities who clear homeless people out of the way, remove their belongings when they want to, and treat people generally with very little understanding and empathy. The only way to change attitudes is through education, and one of the best ways to educate is through direct experience. So, how can homeless people's direct experience help to inform young people to learn about this social disease, and do you think that links with direct experience will help people to become more sympathetic?