A summer without a home can stunt a child's development, says UCC psychologist

A UCC psychologist has said spending a summer in homelessness can impact children’s developmental milestones.

This summer, 255 children in Cork and Kerry are without a home, spending the summer school holidays in emergency accommodation.

Children now make up over one-third of all people experiencing homelessness nationally, and the average stay in emergency accommodation for a family is over a year, with many staying far longer.

Dr Sharon Lambert, senior lecturer in University College Cork’s school of applied psychology, said that summer homelessness and time spent living in emergency accommodation causes particular stresses for families and children.

Dr Lambert works closely with families in homelessness nationwide. “Everything that you consider in terms of a summer and what children ought to be doing in summer is at risk of being massively disrupted because of the instability and uncertainty associated with experiencing homelessness," she said.

“Even very simple things that people take for granted, like a playdate or a sleepover. Children who are in homelessness accommodation cannot have their friends around to play or sleepover.

“There are aspects to child development that are important, and social and emotional development often happens in the context of play and friendships. Disruptions to friendships and play can be very stressful for children.

“Essentially, children in homelessness could be missing out on these important developmental milestones or at least, those important developmental milestones are being disrupted,” she said.

The warning comes as the housing and homelessness charity launches its Shine A Light sleep out, supported by new sponsor Sisk.

Shine A Light will take place nationwide on Friday 9 October, on the eve of World Homelessness Day, and the charity aims to raise €1.2m from the campaign to support families experiencing homelessness.

Business leaders, companies and community groups are encouraged to join the charity’s organised sleep out in Cork City Goal or sign up to host their own.

Focus Ireland CEO Pat Dennigan said: “For families living without a home, the school holidays can bring additional pressure.

“Parents are often juggling the daily realities of homelessness while trying to provide a normal summer.” In 2025, Focus Ireland delivered prevention and early support in close collaboration with local authorities and community partners, supporting 50 families in Cork who were homeless or at risk of homelessness.

To alleviate the impact of school holidays on families and to try to give children in homelessness some typical summer experiences, Focus Ireland runs weekly summer camps and day trips for children. But demand far outstrips what the charity can offer.