What's new?

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Find out what's happening in SPRU with information about our latest news and events, new research projects and latest research findings.‌

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Latest news

Extra living costs pile financial pressure on low-income families during lockdown

Posted on Tuesday 12 January 2021

The pandemic has placed significant financial pressures on poorer households – with the cost of extra food, energy, and remote learning having a greater impact on low-income families, a new study shows.

Obituary: Julie Williams

Posted on Friday 11 September 2020

Julie Williams who played a critical role in the creation of the Social Policy Research Unit, died on 6 September 2020, aged 72.

Criminal landlords subject tenants to illegal eviction, violence and exploitation, new report says

Posted on Wednesday 2 September 2020

Criminal landlords are subjecting tenants to financial exploitation, illegal eviction and violence, a major new report on the UK’s private rented sector reveals.

New UNICEF Report Card on child well-being in rich countries is launched

Posted on Tuesday 1 September 2020

The latest UNICEF Report Card on child well-being in rich countries is published by the UNICEF Innocenti Research Centre on 3 September

Covid Realities website launch

Posted on Tuesday 14 July 2020

Today sees the official launch of the website for a national research project examining the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on low income families.

New research projects announced focusing on the social implications of Covid-19

Posted on Thursday 23 April 2020

Academics at the University of York are to examine the legal and societal impact of Covid-19 in two separate studies announced today.

Ruth Patrick embarks upon a study into the impacts of recent benefit reforms on larger families

Posted on Thursday 6 February 2020

Focusing on the two-child limit and benefits cap, the research is funded by Nuffield Foundation and is a collaboration with Oxford University (Dr Aaron Reeves), LSE (Dr Kitty Stewart) and the Child Poverty Action Group.

Peer Researchers attend homelessness conference in Ireland

Posted on Wednesday 27 November 2019

The Peer Research and Understanding Homelessness: Exploring Practice, Learning and Innovation conference, was held in Dublin on 20 November 2019 by Focus Ireland. Guests and speakers included services and charities working within the homeless sector across Europe, some of whom were already using a peer research methodology.

Veterans’ substance abuse has devastating impact on loved ones

Posted on Thursday 14 November 2019

Professor Charlie Lloyd is calling on the families of veterans with substance abuse problems to take part in a major survey looking at their experiences.

Homelessness can be reduced using innovative ‘Housing First’ model

Posted on Friday 11 October 2019

A housing model has proved effective in reducing homelessness across Europe but it needs more political support to increase its impact, says a new study led by the University of York.

We're 6th in the UK

Posted on Monday 23 September 2019

Social Policy and Social Work at York is in the top ten for Social Work in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020.

National House Project nominated for Children and Young People Now Award

Posted on Wednesday 18 September 2019

An innovative project evaluated by SPSW researchers has been nominated for the Leaving Care Award at the Children and Young People Now Awards 2019.

Self-funders' experiences of social care

Posted on Wednesday 14 August 2019

New research project looking at self-funders' experiences of social care, led by Dr Kate Baxter.

Social Policy Research Unit granted International Society for Child Indicators Impact Award

Posted on Tuesday 13 August 2019

The Social Policy Research Unit and The Children's Society have been awarded the 2019 International Society for Child Indicators Impact Award.

Researching rough sleepers

Posted on Wednesday 24 July 2019

A new project will be looking at improving access to healthcare for people living rough.

International Conference on Social Work in Health and Mental Health

Posted on Monday 22 July 2019

The International Centre for Mental Health Social Research hosts conference providing insights into leading social work practice and research.

The Children's Worlds project June conference at the University of Nantes

Posted on Tuesday 25 June 2019

Results were presented from the first 22 countries participating in the 'Third wave' phase of the project.

Majority of children in care have experienced significant abuse and neglect

Posted on Thursday 20 June 2019

A joint study by researchers at the Universities of York and Stirling has found that 90% of children in Scotland who go into care when aged five or under have experienced significant abuse and neglect before they enter the care system.

Study reveals everyday technology helps fight loneliness

Posted on Friday 14 June 2019

A new report suggests that people feel less lonely when they have access to everyday technology such as a radio, television or tablet.

Introduction to University Day

Posted on Friday 7 June 2019

Jade Ward from the Social Policy Research Unit was invited as a guest speaker to the 'Introduction to University' day for care leavers and professionals, held at the University of Hull on 29th. May 2019.

Previous news

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New Projects

Supporting the complete care of children and young people with life-threatening or life-shortening conditions, and their families

The aim of this study is to gather evidence the NHS and children's hospitals can use to guide how they meet the pastoral, spiritual and religious needs of children and young people living with life-threatening or life-shortening condition and their families.

Enhancing person-centredness in the community support of older people - the EPIC study

The project is developing a situational judgement test to assess the person-centredness of domiciliary care workers.

Developing a Patient-Reported Experience Measure for use in children's palliative care settings

This project will develop a Patient-Reported Experience Measure (PREM) for use in children's palliative care settings.

Supporting Adult Social Care Intervention (SASCI)

This study is building evidence to support the adult social sector to start up, implement and spread innovation.

The House Project for young people leaving care

A two-year evaluation across five Local Authorities, looking at how young people are supported in their transition to independence from care.

Read more about the research project here.

Download a PDF of the evaluation report:

The House Project for young people leaving care (PDF , 1,221kb)

Break - Staying Close, Staying Connected Project

An evaluation of a pilot project to test 'staying close' approaches for young people leaving residential care in England.