Social Housing 5.5. Social housing can make an important contribution to health. Tai Cymru's Tai Cymru's standard house plans, building specification and good practice guidance ensure that social housing design in Wales reflects a commitment to health and safety, and provides opportunities for future adaptation as the needs of occupants change. Houses are designed to minimise risk of accidents in hazardous areas e.g. kitchens and stairs, and to be economical to heat. Both the dwellings and their surrounding estates provide high levels of accessibility to visitors with a wide range of disabilities and incorporate a comprehensive range of crime prevention measures.
People sleeping rough, especially for long periods, are particularly at risk from poor health.
Access to health services and other services is a particular difficulty for those who sleep rough regularly, or who do not have settled home. Young homeless people are likely to have had previous adverse life experience including periods in care. They are more at risk from drug and alcohol misuse, prostitution and sexually transmitted diseases. Children living with parents in hostels for the homeless are also at risk of delayed development and behavioural problems. Homeless men and women are marginalised from society.