How Mystery Shopping Supports Homeless Prevention
You might not immediately connect mystery shopping with homelessness services, but it’s an area where this approach can make a real difference.
How it works
Mystery shoppers pose as people in housing crisis, asking councils for advice and support. They then report back on how easy it was to get help, whether staff were approachable, and if information was clear.
Why it’s important
For someone facing homelessness, those first conversations with the local authority are critical. Barriers such as complicated forms, confusing processes, or lack of empathy can prevent people from getting the help they need.
The benefit for councils
Mystery shopping highlights where services are strong and where improvements are needed. By acting before problems escalate, councils can better support vulnerable residents and reduce the risk of homelessness in their communities.
Mystery shopping in this area isn’t about ticking boxes – it’s about making sure people in difficult situations are treated with dignity and get access to the right help, right away.
