Despite Jesmond’s familiar nightlife, boutique cafes and exclusive wellness clubs, there lies another side of the suburb that for many locals is rarely noticed.

Behind its outward atmospheric and exclusive image, is a less visible reality. In one of Newcastle’s most affluent postcodes, many are facing homelessness and housing insecurity, though few realise it. 

The Office for National Statistics Census 2021 (ONS) concluded that 58.1% of households are not facing deprivation, meaning that Jesmond does not appear to be a location associated with housing insecurity. The sought after properties and Victorian architecture all serve to suggest prosperity and elegance rather than hardship. According to data collected by Rightmove, the average price house in Jesmond is £362,824, almost £100,000 more than the average UK home. However, these struggles often remain difficult to see and largely hidden from public view.

Jesmond House, a hostel off Clayton Road, provides accommodation and support for people experiencing these difficulties. JesmondLocal spoke to a member of staff at Jesmond House, who wished remain anonymous. Here, they provided an insight on the “work [they] do to support the homeless”.

“The hostel provides 84 beds, offering temporary accommodation until a person lands on their feet again,” they said. “Once a resident can be rehoused, this process is done through Newcastle Homes. Referrals typically come through Newcastle City Housing Advice Center, where residents are more local i.e from Jesmond, Byker et cetera.”

The shelter also works with Crisis who may refer a person from anywhere in the UK. 

Jesmond House also houses people who’s struggles may be less obvious, often those who have resorted to sofa-surfing due to their housing instability. Their services extend to all ages and even have specific schemes in place for students facing the difficulties of the cost of living crisis. With the average private rent price in the Newcastle area reaching £1,169 per calendar month (pcm) according to a survey by the ONS, alongside OpenRent calculating Jesmond’s private rent prices at around £1,000-£2,000 pcm, it means that even a two bed flat can be unaffordable and out of the question for many.

Winter weather significantly worsens the risks faced by those without shelter. With Storm Garetti nearing, this is more prevalent than ever. Rough sleepers are more likely to seek cover in underpasses in order to escape harsh conditions and weather intensified by the storm.

Bad weather is a major concern for services such as Jesmond House, who have procedures in place to ensure the welfare of those experiencing such hardships.

“We often accommodate residents in our sister property on John Dobson Street if the hostel fills up,” said the staff member. Here, residents are provided with two meals a day ranging from mince and dumplings to katsu curry. The warm, filling food is particularly appreciated during the difficult winter months, they said.

While ward-specfic figures for Jesmond are not publicly available, housing organisations suggest that the area’s high living costs contribute to housing insecurity, particularly those with unstable employment. Nationwide, the Newcastle City Council’s Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2020-2025 has estimated that there are 184 homeless households across the city.

Right Rent data suggests two-bedroom flats and houses can range from £800-£1,000 pcm, often excluding bills. This often means that properties in the Jesmond area can be out of financial reach for those suffering with monetary difficulties. Subsequently, this leads to an increased need for facilities, like Jesmond House.

Due to these factors, demand for social housing has risen and naturally, placed a strain on already limited resources. Newcastle City Council’s Housing Advice Centre reports that waiting times for council houses are growing, with more households registered than properties available. 

Kayleigh Cummings, a spokesperson for Newcastle City Council’s Housing Advice Centre, told JesmondLocal how in demand housing is.

“In recent years, the demand for social housing has increased significantly, with wait times for council housing being much higher than we would like,” she said. “There are more households registered for social housing, yet fewer properties available.”

Selective licensing schemes operate in parts of Newcastle to regulate private landlords and improve housing standards. While these schemes help protect tenants, Cummings noted they do little to address affordability.

“Selective licensing can improve safety and quality,” she explained, “but it doesn’t increase the number of homes or reduce rent levels. That remains one of the biggest challenges.”

This illustrates how important services such as Jesmond House are when tackling hidden homelessness in not only local suburbs but nationwide too.

This is alongside Action Foundation, an organisation that works with people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity within all areas of Newcastle. Action Foundation specifically supports refugees and asylum seekers, closely working and witnessing the true effects of rough sleeping, first-hand. 

Felicity Park, a volunteer for Action Foundation, told JesmondLocal: “I have noticed that homelessness in Newcastle is particularly stark so showing vulnerable people that there is help available and resources like food or places to sleep when they are in need is important.”

She added: “However, this is hard to translate into daily life. Aside from the time I give to Action Foundation, I am trying to focus on being aware of others’ circumstances, for example, the colder weather will have heightened the dangers of homelessness.

“Even small acts, such as donating time, clothing, bedding or food, can make a difference,” she said. “Homelessness becomes much more dangerous in winter, and showing people that support exists is really important.”

Homelessness in Jesmond challenges the common assumptions about where housing insecurity lies. It highlights how hidden hardships both on a local level and in the Newcastle area can go unnoticed. While long term solutions require a greater investment in social housing alongside financial support for homeless individuals and the charities that seek to help them, it is important to work as community in Jesmond and help where possible as Park advises. 

With the help of Jesmond House, Action Foundation, Crisis and other organisations on Jesmond’s door step acting to soothe such difficult circumstances, local residents are reminded to remain aware of those struggling this winter.

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