New report calls for action on inadequate housing facing long-established older Bangladeshi Communities in East London

We are absolutely delighted to announce the publication of the Amar Bari, Amar Jibon (My Home, My Life) research report at a launch event in the House of Lords today, hosted by Lord Best.

This pioneering study by The Open University, Bangla Housing Association and the Housing LIN, and funded by the Vivensa Foundation, examined the housing circumstances of the Bangladeshi ‘probin’ community across 4 East London boroughs. It makes a number of significant findings and important recommendations. 

Jeremy Porteus, the Housing LIN’s CEO and chair of the Professional Advisory Group said:

“We are immensely proud to have been a partner in this ground-breaking research project alongside The Open University and Bangla Housing Association. Our coproduced study of the Bangladeshi probin community in 4 East London boroughs evidences the many housing challenges and health inequalities they experience and exposes the impact of where they live on their wellbeing, family bonds and community connections. 

From living in poor quality housing and overcrowded homes to a lack of accessible or adaptable accommodation that meets their multigenerational, cultural and/or faith preferences, this report makes a number of important culturally-specific, age-friendly policy and practice recommendations to address these disparities. Above all, whether in mainstream or specialist housing, it calls for the needs of the older Bangladeshi community to be heard and strategies, plans and services put in place to remedy their poor experience of accessing suitable housing or making the necessary improvements to their existing accommodation. They have a right to a decent home.”

Lord Best described the report as “impressive” and said more needed to be done to change the situation:

“This is specific, focused material which should be taken on board by civil servants and ministers. It should make a significant difference. The Open University and the team deserves congratulations and appreciation for pulling this together.”