If only it was as easy as clicking your red sparkly heels three times and finding keys to a swanky new pad in your pocket...

Britain is in the midst of a severe housing crisis, especially in the most prosperous places in the Greater South East. Across England, the average house costs more than ten times the average salary, vacancy rates are below 1 per cent, and space per person for private renters has dropped substantially in recent decades.

Join our panel of experts - activists, journalists, and professionals in the housing sector – chatting through their thoughts and experiences, discussing the impact of the housing crisis, the challenges faced by those who are struggling to find affordable homes, and the various factors that contribute.

But it's not all doom and gloom - we'll also look at ways to address the crisis. Our panellists will share their ideas for policy reforms, community initiatives, and innovative technologies that could help alleviate the shortage of affordable housing. And of course, we'll hear from the audience too - you'll have plenty of opportunities to share your thoughts and ask questions.

Whether you're a concerned citizen, a renter, a homeowner, or a housing professional, this event is for you. Come along, grab a drink, and let's discuss one of the most pressing issues facing our country today.

TIMINGS

6pm - Doors open, drinks and networking

6.30pm - Talk begins

7.30pm - Talk ends

7.30pm - 8.30pm - Drinks and networking

ABOUT KIERAN YATES

Kieran Yates is a London-based journalist and author who has been writing about culture, technology and politics for over 10 years. She’s written everywhere from The Guardian, FADER, VICE, The Independent and beyond, specialising in stories about home.

Her debut book about home and the housing crisis titled ‘All The Houses I’ve Ever Lived In’, to be published by Simon and Schuster, is out April '23.

ABOUT KWAJO TWENEBOA

Kwajo Tweneboa, a 24-year-old activist from south London, uses social media to give a voice to social housing tenants and expose the derelict living conditions that many are forced to endure. After publicly shaming his housing association into carrying out repairs on his family's flat after a year of inaction, Kwajo has travelled the country putting pressure on politicians and social housing providers to improve living standards.

ABOUT IONE GAMBLE

Ione Gamble is a writer and editor based in London. She is the founding editor in chief of Polyester zine, an intersectional, independent arts and culture publication. With a focus on contemporary feminism and identity; she is also the host of The Polyester Podcast. Her debut book, Poor Little Sick Girls, a collection of essays exploring unacceptable women in all their forms, was published in 2022.

ABOUT MARIE PARIS

MarieParis is a specialist housing and social welfare barrister. She accepts instructions in housing, homelessness, community care, and related public law matters. She has extensive experience of litigating housing matters in the county court, having joined chambers after spending two years as a duty adviser at South West London Law Centre.

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ALL TICKET PROCEEDS WILL GO TO OUR PARTNERED CHARITY, MAGIC BREAKFAST.

Magic Breakfast provides healthy school breakfasts to children at risk of hunger in disadvantaged areas of the UK. Today Magic Breakfast provides healthy breakfasts to over 200,000 children in England and Scotland during normal term time, in over 1000 primary, secondary and Special Educational Needs schools, plus Pupil Referral Units.

https://www.magicbreakfast.com