When most people think of homelessness, they picture someone sleeping rough on the streets. But the reality is that most homeless people in the UK are not sleeping rough — they are sofa surfing. Sofa surfing is one of the most common, most hidden, and most misunderstood forms of homelessness, and it affects thousands of people in Brighton and across the UK.
What Is Sofa Surfing?
Sofa surfing means staying temporarily in someone else’s home — on a sofa, spare bed, or floor — without having a permanent home of your own. Sofa surfers move between different people’s homes, often staying for short periods before having to move on again. It is called “hidden” homelessness because sofa surfers are not visible on the streets and are often not included in official homelessness statistics.
Who Sofa Surfs?
Sofa surfing is particularly common among young people, women, and people from minority ethnic backgrounds. Young people may sofa surf after leaving the family home following a breakdown in relations with parents. Women fleeing domestic abuse may sofa surf to avoid going to a hostel or sleeping rough. People who have lost their home suddenly may sofa surf while waiting for housing to become available.
Why Is Sofa Surfing Dangerous?
Sofa surfing is not a safe or sustainable situation. People sofa surfing may be vulnerable to exploitation — being asked for sexual favours or other services in exchange for accommodation. The instability and uncertainty of the situation causes significant stress and anxiety. Many sofa surfers eventually run out of places to stay and end up rough sleeping.
Getting Help If You Are Sofa Surfing
If you are sofa surfing in Brighton, you are legally homeless and have the right to seek help from Brighton and Hove City Council. You can also contact Seaside CIC for support and advice. Do not wait until you have nowhere left to go — the earlier you seek help, the more options will be available to you.
