The cycle of homelessness in the lives of young mothers: the diagnostic phase of an action research project

This paper presents the findings of the first stage of an action research project designed to explore the experience of repeated homelessness in the lives of young women. An action research strategy was selected because it offered a framework within which to work with and for rather than on this vulnerable group of service users. The women participating in the research developed a conceptual model that captured the essence of their experience, which they named 'Our Cycle'. They also proposed a system for service delivery, 'From trauma to recovery: a non-professional model'. The diagnostic phase of the action research has thus resulted in a sound theoretical and practical framework to guide the implementation and evaluation stages of the project, currently being funded through the United Kingdom Department of Health's Health Action Zone initiative.