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Beth Watts-Cobbe

@bethwcobbe.bsky.social
475 followers 311 following 97 posts

Professor and Deputy Director @i-sphere.bsky.social Research homelessness, destitution, and social responses to them.

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Reposted by Beth Watts-Cobbe
Prof Ruth Patrick @ruthpatrick0.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
In or close by Sheffield on 7th October? If so, join me as I try to come up with something half-way coherent on the problems & possibilities for UK social policy research on poverty & social security for @sheffielduni.bsky.social Annual Social Policy Lecture www.eventbrite.com/e/annual-soc...
eventbrite.com
Annual Social Policy Lecture
Join us for our Annual Social Policy Lecture with Professor Ruth Patrick, University of Glasgow
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Beth Watts-Cobbe @bethwcobbe.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
Great blog. To clarify, is the developer just refusing to sell (or whatever) the properties because they didn’t get the decision they wanted? Or are there further appeal stages?
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Reposted by Beth Watts-Cobbe
Dr Scott Arthur MP (Edinburgh South West) 🌍🌈🌹 @drscottarthurmp.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
My Blog : 1 Lanark Road - Empty Homes in a Housing Crisis scottarthurmp.wordpress.com/2026/04/27/1... @edinburghminute.com @edinreporter.bsky.social
scottarthurmp.wordpress.com
1 Lanark Road – Empty Homes in a Housing Crisis
Why Are So Many Flats at 1 Lanark Road Sitting Empty? A number of local residents have been asking the same question: why are so many of the flats at 1 Lanark Road still empty? From the outside, it…
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Beth Watts-Cobbe @bethwcobbe.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
In all seriousness I need help. I need a new phone. This one is literally dying. I want a second hand iPhone because. But why are there so many models? Which from 2-5 years ago are fine? Any duds? How the hell do I figure this out with minimal time?
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Reposted by Beth Watts-Cobbe
Jen Ang @jena.ng · 03/02/2026
Maggie Brunjes CEO @homelessnetwork.scot reminds us that Housing Justice in Scotland means safe, suitable housing for all of us 🏡 including people with #NRPF  www.insidehousing.co.uk/comment/true...
insidehousing.co.uk
True housing justice must include those with No Recourse to Public Funds
Thousands of people are excluded from basic support because of their immigration status, writes Margaret-Ann Brünjes, chief executive at Homeless Network Scotland.
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Beth Watts-Cobbe @bethwcobbe.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
True housing justice must include those with No Recourse to Public Funds, argues @homelessnetwork.scot's Maggie Brunjes drawing on @i-sphere.bsky.social's independent evaluation of the Fair Way Scotland partnership www.insidehousing.co.uk/comment/true...
insidehousing.co.uk
True housing justice must include those with No Recourse to Public Funds
Thousands of people are excluded from basic support because of their immigration status, writes Margaret-Ann Brünjes, chief executive at Homeless Network Scotland.
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Reposted by Beth Watts-Cobbe
Heriot-Watt University @heriotwattuni.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
New research shows Scotland’s progress in ending communal night shelters for emergency accommodation is under threat. The study highlights the harm caused by shared air shelters and shows that alternatives are achievable. lnkd.in/enbrNsPP #HeriotWattUni #Homelessness #HousingPolicy
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Beth Watts-Cobbe @bethwcobbe.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
Ps. Will willingly accept advice for handling a jet lagged 3 year old solo.
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Beth Watts-Cobbe @bethwcobbe.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
I cannot express sufficiently the unbridled joy of getting back to my own home after Christmas and new year away in… eccentric?… circumstances. I was so full of hubristic joy my daughter (3.5) informed me I’d given her a portion of ice cream that was too big ‘I don’t think I can eat that mama’…
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Beth Watts-Cobbe @bethwcobbe.bsky.social · 16/12/2025
I feel you.
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Reposted by Beth Watts-Cobbe
Alison Wallace @alisonwyork.bsky.social · 15/12/2025
The Housing Studies Charitable Trust is seeking new Trustees to distribute proceeds from the journal to support housing education and scholarship. Please see advert and share widely. The role isn’t onerous and support important orgs and postdocs/ECR. www.thornbyassociates.co.uk/latest-news/...
thornbyassociates.co.uk
Housing Studies Charitable Trust Seeking New Trustees — Thornby Associates
The Housing Studies Charitable Trust (HSCT) is looking for three new members to join theBoard of Trustees, a vital part of their governance.
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Beth Watts-Cobbe @bethwcobbe.bsky.social · 11/12/2025
I got a letter from a solicitor today that made it sound like the (my) world was ending in the language of incomprehensible legalese. A heart attack and phone call later, everything’s ok, but it was so unnecessary and unkind. Just pure poor communication. And I’m meant to be able to read quite well!
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Reposted by Beth Watts-Cobbe
Dr. Carrie Anne Marshall @cannemarshall.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
Check out one of the interviews I did this week with CBC New Brunswick on sleeping cabins and tiny homes as a response to homelessness. Share among your networks! Thanks, CBC for inviting a critical perspective on this issue. www.cbc.ca/listen/live-...
cbc.ca
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Beth Watts-Cobbe @bethwcobbe.bsky.social · 06/12/2025
Hats off to Carrie for calmly and cogently making these arguments. It feels to me a little like we’re having to defend the view that 2 plus 2 is 4. The poverty of aspiration endemic in responses to homelessness remains so evident. People deserve better.
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Beth Watts-Cobbe @bethwcobbe.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
We'd love it if you could share this with your networks @rocktrust.bsky.social @homelessnetwork.scot @sheltercharity.bsky.social @shelterscotland.bsky.social @cyrenians.bsky.social @glasgowcitymission.bsky.social @housing-justice.bsky.social @homelesslink.bsky.social @centrepointuk.bsky.social
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Beth Watts-Cobbe @bethwcobbe.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
Image credit: Centre for Homelessness Impact / Jeff Hubbard. Dean has been living in temporary accommodation in Swansea for five months after experience of homelessness and challenges with substance use. He’s now moving on to an abstinence housing project after working extremely hard at his recovery
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Beth Watts-Cobbe @bethwcobbe.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
We are particularly interested in candidates with front-line experience supporting people at risk of homelessness or working in allied fields. The deadline is 12th January. Apply here and please do share/be in touch if you have any questions. enzj.fa.em3.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/Candid...
enzj.fa.em3.oraclecloud.com
Research Intern - Homelessness Prevention Programme
This internship offers an early-career researcher the chance to join an award-winning research institute and support an innovative project on improving homelessness prevention in the UK.
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Beth Watts-Cobbe @bethwcobbe.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
Come join us! The @i-sphere.bsky.social are delighted to advertise for Research Intern to design and lead in-depth research on an area of homelessness prevention in the UK, The post is full time, for 9 months and suitable for candidates based anywhere in the UK (remote working standard)...
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Beth Watts-Cobbe @bethwcobbe.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
3) colleagues and my open access journal that tells the story up until earlier this year ojs.lib.uwo.ca/index.php/ij...
ojs.lib.uwo.ca
Beyond Shelters: Unpacking Global Lessons from Scotland’s Journey Towards Housing Justice | International Journal on Homelessness
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Beth Watts-Cobbe @bethwcobbe.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
2) the Scot Gov Ending Homelessness Action Plans that took up the commitment - there have been a few but here was the first: p8 in particular www.gov.scot/binaries/con...
gov.scot
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Beth Watts-Cobbe @bethwcobbe.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
Sorry for delay. It was a cross-sector effort led by the Everyone Home Collective and taken up as a commitment by Scottish Government. Three key things to read I'd say: 1) the EHC route map that kicked it all off: homelessnetwork.scot/wp-content/u...
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Beth Watts-Cobbe @bethwcobbe.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
Yeah it looked to me like something serious was wrong and she was in pain. Such a shame - when she was on form she was absolute winner worthy
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Beth Watts-Cobbe @bethwcobbe.bsky.social · 23/11/2025
Context: Danger Zone by Kenny Loggins is playing. E (3yo): Mummy, I went to the danger zone once. A long time ago. With daddy.
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Beth Watts-Cobbe @bethwcobbe.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
That’s very interesting indeed. I’d say (of course) you can have integrity as a group, and that compromise (and team work generally) can make things better (as well as worse!). I hope it’s changing to allow for both modes of work.
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Beth Watts-Cobbe @bethwcobbe.bsky.social · 17/11/2025
Where did this view on co-authoring come from? Has seemed quite bizarre from my disciplinary context where it is both common and also incredibly rewarding. Just old school view that philosophy is the view of individuals people?
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Beth Watts-Cobbe @bethwcobbe.bsky.social · 24/09/2025
A shelter-free response to homelessness is necessary for justice, & is possible, as demonstrated in Scotland from 2020-2024. Read @i-sphere.bsky.social's new paper in @ijohjournal.bsky.social here at the link above. Please share with others who may be interested! Thanks.
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Beth Watts-Cobbe @bethwcobbe.bsky.social · 24/09/2025
Dormitory-style night shelters tackling street homelessness are harmful. At best, they protect an already very disadvantaged group from some harms, while generating & deepening manifold others. Nor do they reliably lead to sustainable rehousing... ojs.lib.uwo.ca/index.php/ij...
ojs.lib.uwo.ca
Beyond Shelters: Unpacking Global Lessons from Scotland’s Journey Towards Housing Justice | International Journal on Homelessness
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Beth Watts-Cobbe @bethwcobbe.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
Really pleased to see this from SMF, showing the role that Housing First needs to play in finally, sustainably, turning the tide on rough sleeping in England. I hope those working on the *much anticipated* cross-government homelessness strategy are taking note.
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Beth Watts-Cobbe @bethwcobbe.bsky.social · 05/08/2025
Ugh.
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Beth Watts-Cobbe @bethwcobbe.bsky.social · 26/07/2025
Wall to wall dads (except me) at the toddler trampolining session this morning, and absolutely no mystery to me why. Jeez!
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Reposted by Beth Watts-Cobbe
Prof Ruth Patrick @ruthpatrick0.bsky.social · 11/07/2025
Some heatwave weekend reading on why devolution needs to be talked about more in connection with the disability social security cuts. @lsepoliticsblog.bsky.social blog w/ @safety-nets.bsky.social colleagues @haylesben.bsky.social @sionedps.bsky.social blogs.lse.ac.uk/politicsandp...
blogs.lse.ac.uk
Labour’s social security reforms ignore devolution - British Politics and Policy at LSE
The Goverment's social security reforms ignore the fact that they will have different consequences depending on which part of the UK one lives in.
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Big Issue @bigissue.com · 11/07/2025
The trial 56-day 'move-on' period for newly-recognised refugees to find somewhere to live has been extended, the government has confirmed.
bigissue.com
Home Office extends 56-day 'move-on' period for refugees
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Heriot-Watt News @heriotwattnews.bsky.social · 11/07/2025
Groundbreaking new research by @i-sphere.bsky.social finds Black families have to disguise their identities to avoid #discrimination in housing, employment & essential services More here: tinyurl.com/2etwp8ny #HeriotWattUni #Homelessness @raceontheagenda.bsky.social @crisis-uk.bsky.social ‬
tinyurl.com
Black and minoritised people feel forced to disguise their identities
Race, Ethnicity and Homelessness research by I-SPHERE at Heriot-Watt University finds Black homeless families feel forced to disguise their identities
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Reposted by Beth Watts-Cobbe
I-SPHERE @i-sphere.bsky.social · 11/07/2025
𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗲, 𝗘𝘁𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗞 An analysis of 750,000 household records from the statutory homelessness system reveals that only 10% of Black families gained social housing compared to 24% of White families. doi.org/10.17861/D78... @raceontheagenda.bsky.social @crisis-uk.bsky.social
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Beth Watts-Cobbe @bethwcobbe.bsky.social · 01/07/2025
Sad news indeed
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Beth Watts-Cobbe @bethwcobbe.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
She has always been a friend, ally and frequent collaborator with @i-sphere.bsky.social, but now she's formally one of us (no escape!). You can watch her powerful laureation speech c. 30 mins in here: www.youtube.com/live/3fOas1a...
youtube.com
TitleHeriot-Watt University Graduations Summer 2025 (Friday 20th June, 1pm)
YouTube video by Heriot-Watt University
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Beth Watts-Cobbe @bethwcobbe.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
It was a real pleasure to be able to mark and celebrate Maggie Brunjes - the inimitable, legendary Chief Executive of Homeless Network Scotland - receiving an honorary doctorate from @heriotwattuni.bsky.social last week. Congratulations Maggie on all of your achievements.
Dr Maggie Brunjes, Professor Suzanne Fitzpatrick, Professor Beth Watts-Cobbe, Janice Higgins and Jackie Erdman pictured to mark Maggie's honorary doctorate bestowed by Heriot-Watt University.
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Beth Watts-Cobbe @bethwcobbe.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
Loki is giving military leader vibes today.
Cat sitting, looking smart and serious
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Reposted by Beth Watts-Cobbe
Resolution Foundation @resolutionfoundation.org · 29/05/2025
Free School Meals support in the holidays is now the largest category of Household Support Fund expenditure. This is arguably not an ideal use of what is supposed to be crisis support funding and would be better covered by an increased Free School Meals budget instead.
Chart showing Proportion of Household Support Fund expenditure by type of support and HSF wave: England, 2022-23 to 2023-24.
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Beth Watts-Cobbe @bethwcobbe.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
Love this - a really useful framing to help bolster the normative underpinnings of the social security system and employment support.
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Beth Watts-Cobbe @bethwcobbe.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
Here you go: 1) www.jrf.org.uk/deep-poverty... and 2) researchportal.hw.ac.uk/en/publicati...
jrf.org.uk
Destitution in the UK 2023
This study, the fourth in the Destitution in the UK series, reveals approximately 3.8 million people experienced destitution in 2022, including around 1 million children. There is an urgent need for a...
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Reposted by Beth Watts-Cobbe
Beth Watts-Cobbe @bethwcobbe.bsky.social · 14/05/2025
Please join us on 20th May for our next @i-sphere.bsky.social /Centre for Homelessness & Inclusion Health webinar with @popmhuk.bsky.social's Natasha Chilman on The public health significance of prior homelessness: findings on multimorbidity & mental health from a nationally representative survey...
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Beth Watts-Cobbe @bethwcobbe.bsky.social · 14/05/2025
All welcome. Time: 11:00 am - 12:15 pm. Sign up here: i-sphere.site.hw.ac.uk/seminars/
lnkd.in
LinkedIn
This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn
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Beth Watts-Cobbe @bethwcobbe.bsky.social · 14/05/2025
Please join us on 20th May for our next @i-sphere.bsky.social /Centre for Homelessness & Inclusion Health webinar with @popmhuk.bsky.social's Natasha Chilman on The public health significance of prior homelessness: findings on multimorbidity & mental health from a nationally representative survey...
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Beth Watts-Cobbe @bethwcobbe.bsky.social · 14/05/2025
Oh ye gods, no! We just watched the gamer one with the chip in the neck and the scary house.
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Beth Watts-Cobbe @bethwcobbe.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
In a long held tradition of watching zeitgeist TV shows years after their release, the time has come to watch Black Mirror… What the actual *^%>?!
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Beth Watts-Cobbe @bethwcobbe.bsky.social · 03/05/2025
My daughter, 3, to our friend: “can I come to your house and see your mess?”
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Jo Wolff @jowolff.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
Of course I’d rather Labour had won the by-election and losing by six votes is astonishing. But I hope Starmer takes the message that Reform are better at being Reform than Labour, and Labour’s best bet is to go back to being Labour.
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Beth Watts-Cobbe @bethwcobbe.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
Another dark day in UK politics. Devastating.
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Beth Watts-Cobbe @bethwcobbe.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
Lovely to end the week with this dropping onto the doormat. A real pleasure to be part of this collection with @lynnemcmordie.bsky.social, and a tiny part of a wider and brilliant flurry of work on structural injustice and Iris Marion Young’s ideas. Thanks @vmantouvalou.bsky.social!
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