Welfare Reform on the Web (February 2011): Education - UK - training

The role of efficacy and well-being in guiding the use of education and training services by young homeless mothers

J. Christian and D. Clapham

Housing, Care and Support, vol.13, Oct. 2010, p. 14-19

One of the main problems encountered by agencies working with young homeless people is the reluctance of some of them to access services from which they could benefit. This study focuses on a group of homeless young mothers and explores, from their point of view, barriers to using education and training services that could help them access future employment opportunities. In particular, it explores the impact of three well-being factors, self-esteem, social identity and efficacy, on uptake of education and training services. It is concluded that lack of well-being arising from low self-esteem, etc can inhibit service uptake.