University of Birmingham students deliver compelling housing-related research
- fraserm81
- Jun 6
- 2 min read
Four final-year University of Birmingham students recently presented their insightful dissertation research projects investigating topical housing and social policy areas, having been awarded the Jane Slowey Memorial Bursary for 2024/25.
Commonweal established the Bursary in 2018 in memory of the charity’s late Trustee, Jane Slowey CBE, who studied at the University of Birmingham and was an active campaigner against social injustices.
Social policy students Emma Bull, Precious Oladimeji, Lily Soaper and Ellie Childs each received a £2,500 grant and mentoring support from Commonweal. Students presented their findings at the annual celebration hosted by Commonweal, held at the University of Birmingham for the second consecutive year.
Their research examined a broad scope of housing-related issues, including charity advertising, antimicrobial resistance in BAME (Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic) communities, the barriers faced by domestic violence survivors, and refugee housing experiences.
Emma Bull presented her study exploring how homeless people are represented in charity advertising and fundraising campaigns in the UK. Her research focused on the negative aspects of " poverty porn," which refers to the use of exploitative images of impoverished people to evoke sympathy to gain support for a cause.
She found that the language used in some campaigns, such as the one highlighted in the slide below, can often use stereotypical rhetoric surrounding homelessness. However, her research noted that charities often adopt these strategies, as they typically resonate well with the public and serve as effective fundraising tools.
Precious Oladimeji's dissertation focused on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), which occurs when microbes like bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, and its negative impact on BAME communities.
She emphasised that AMR is related to socioeconomic factors, highlighting that risk in BAME communities stem from structural challenges – such as inadequate housing and unequal healthcare access – rather than cultural behaviours or knowledge gaps.
Lily Soaper explored the structural, policy and resource-related barriers survivors of domestic violence face accessing long-term housing. As part of her research, she interviewed staff and a survivor at a women’s refuge in Birmingham.
Her findings uncover systemic issues in the housing system that fail survivors, with many waiting over two years for stable housing despite having 'Band A' priority status. Additionally, the two-offer policy – where individuals are removed from the Council's housing register if they decline two housing offers – often punishes survivors for refusing unsafe housing.
Lily's study also looks at how the lack of housing options negatively impacts survivors' emotional wellbeing due to prolonged stays in refuges.
Lastly, Ellie Childs presented her research on the challenges refugees face securing long-term housing in the UK and the Netherlands. By comparing the policies and practices implemented in both countries, her study examines the lived experiences of refugees and how housing systems can contribute to negative outcomes for them in host countries.
Over the past seven years, the Bursary has supported over 20 students undertaking pressing dissertation projects that uncover new insights into housing and social policy areas, demonstrating their dedication and passion for the field.
The recipients of the Jane Slowey Memorial Bursary for 2025/26 will be announced on our website shortly.
We will shortly be sharing blogs from each student that delve into their research findings, so keep an eye out!
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