Craig David, the renowned British singer, has made an emotional return to his childhood council estate in Southampton to highlight the importance of increased access to social housing. The 43-year-old artist, who rose to fame in his early 20s with hits that helped define the UK garage music scene, revisited the Holyrood Estate near Southampton city centre, where he lived from the age of one, in a poignant short film released as part of a campaign with the housing charity Shelter.
Growing up in a social housing environment, David reflected on the profound impact it had on his life and career. “Growing up in a social home meant everything to me,” he said. “It wasn't just a place to live – it was a space where I felt secure, supported and able to be myself. The sense of community was so strong too – we looked out for each other and that made all the difference.”
He recalled how his childhood home was a creative haven where he composed many of his early hit songs, including “7 Days,” “Walking Away,” and “Fill Me In.” These tracks featured on his debut album, Born to Do It, released in 2000, which went on to become the fastest-selling debut album by a British male solo artist at that time.
In the film, David visits the former council flat with his mother, Tina, and meets the family who now live there, which has since become privately owned. He emphasised the significance of a stable and loving home, stating, “Going back with Shelter to visit my old home, and still feeling that same energy, reminded me just how powerful the foundation of a stable, loving home can be.”
Supporting Shelter’s campaign for more social housing, David expressed his pride in lending his voice to the cause. “It's heart-breaking to think so many children today don't have that same chance. Every child deserves the security, support and sense of belonging I was lucky enough to grow up with – and that means investing in social housing,” he said.
Mairi MacRae, director of campaigns and policy at Shelter, commended David for demonstrating the transformative potential of social homes. She contrasted his experience with the harsh realities faced by numerous homeless children living in temporary accommodation under unstable conditions. “That's a world away from what growing numbers of homeless children are facing today – living in temporary accommodation where instability looms over them, never knowing if they'll be forced to move again, leaving their schools and communities behind,” she said.
Shelter is urging the Government to commit, in the upcoming June spending review, to the construction of 90,000 social homes annually over the next decade. This push comes amid worrying statistics indicating over 164,000 children were homeless in England and living in temporary housing at the end of September last year. Additionally, more than 1.3 million households were on local authority waiting lists as of March, the highest recorded since 2014.
Social housing in England can take the form of either council homes or properties managed by housing associations, both of which provide affordable options for families in need of secure accommodation. Craig David’s personal journey underscores the role such housing can play not only in providing shelter but also in fostering a supportive environment critical to the development of young people and their future opportunities.
Source: Noah Wire Services