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Heartbreaking reality of homeless children this Christmas as B&Q and Shelter unite

The charity and DIY giant have teamed up with visual artist David Tovey to create a powerful statement

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B&Q and Shelter have partnered with acclaimed artist and homelessness activist David Tovey - to create a forest of 172 Temporary Trees to represent the 172,420 children spending this Christmas homeless

For many people, Christmas begins by decorating a tree, but for the 172,420 children in England spending the festive season in temporary accommodation, the reality looks very different.

Families who are homeless will often face months, if not years, in cramped, insecure temporary accommodation, with little or no support.

Their experience is only worsened by bitter isolation, as many are displaced miles away from their extended families, schools, and communities. Brand new analysis from Shelter on the latest government statutory homelessness statistics reveals that on average, households in temporary accommodation have spent over two and a half years (996 days), stuck there while they seek a safe and secure place to call home.

To highlight the growing number of children living in temporary accommodation, B&Q and Shelter have partnered with acclaimed artist and homelessness activist David Tovey. Together, they have created a powerful visual statement about the growing number of children without a place to call home at Christmas.

Drawing on his own lived experience of growing up in temporary accommodation, being street homeless and working closely with Shelter to gather real-life insights from families, Tovey has created a forest of 172 Temporary Trees to represent the 172,420 children spending this Christmas homeless.

Each of Toveys five unique, childlike tree designs tells a story reflecting the reality of children and families trying to celebrate Christmas in cramped, unsuitable, and often bleak conditions, and the toll that living in temporary accommodation takes on childrens lives. B&Q will donate 1 from every real Christmas tree sold to Shelter and between the 1st7th December will match customer donations made in store through Pennies

First unveiled last night at Shelters Carol Concert reception at St Martin-in-the-Fields, London, the Temporary Trees designs will be displayed in B&Q stores across the UK and Ireland in December.

David Tovey, artist and homelessness activist said: This project is deeply personal. I know what its like to grow up without a home, to feel fear, shame and uncertainty every day. Ive also seen the courage and hope of children living through the same struggles today. These 172 Christmas trees arent just symbols, theyre a way to make children visible, to remind everyone that behind every number is a real child who deserves to be seen, believed in, and given the chance to thrive.

Joanna Gluzman, Director of Responsible Business, B&Q said: At B&Q, we believe everyone deserves a safe and secure place to call home, especially during the festive period. Sadly, this isnt the reality for the 172,420 children currently in temporary accommodation in England. Thats why our ongoing partnership with Shelter is so important and reflects our commitment to helping create better homes and better lives for everyone. This year, for every real Christmas tree purchased, well donate 1 to Shelter, and between 17 December well also match customer donations made in store through Pennies.

Sarah Elliott, Chief Executive Officer at Shelter, said: Every day we hear from families spending months, or even years, in shocking conditions, crammed into one freezing room with all their belongings stacked against damp covered walls. Families will often be moved miles away from their extended family, schools and local communities.

This Christmas, Shelter will be doing everything possible to help parents fight for a better home for their children. No family should face homelessness alone. We could not carry out this vital work without the generosity of partners like B&Q, whose donations allow us to provide advice, practical support, and guidance to help families find and keep a safe home all while campaigning for long-lasting change.

Since 2017, B&Q and Shelter have raised over 6 million to support vital services for families in need. To find your nearest B&Q to purchase your tree and help donate towards B&Q and Shelters shared mission, visit: https://www.diy.com/find-a-store.

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