Description:Roof, published by Shelter, was launched in 1975- "to provide a radical and informed forum for discussion of Britain's continuing-and worsening- housing crisis." (Roof Oct 1975 p.1) Roof's aim was to influence politicians and officers locally and nationally. It was hoped that this would be realised by arming housing activists, tenants' leaders, lawyers, community workers, housing aid staff and others with the knowledge and information to press for more extensive and fairer housing policies.
The November 1979 issue of Roof contains an article entitled 'Public Virtues, Private Vices' which looks at the housing situation affecting people with mental health issues in Birmingham. The article highlights how 95% of this vulnerable population, who were not in hospital, may have been living in privately-run hostels, many of which were sub-standard.
Author: Sarah Dar