Craig David has returned to his childhood council house on the Holyrood Estate near Southampton to advocate for social housing, emphasizing the lack of access many children face today. The singer, known for his hit "7 Days," lived in the estate from the age of one until his music career took off in his early 20s. On April 16, 2025, David revisited the area with his mother, Tina, as part of a campaign for the housing charity Shelter.
In a poignant film created for Shelter's campaign, David reflects on how growing up in a social home shaped his life and career. "Growing up in a social home meant everything to me," shared the now 43-year-old artist. "It wasn't just a place to live - it was a space where I felt secure, supported and able to be myself. The sense of community was so strong too. We looked out for each other and that made all the difference." He fondly recalled how he wrote some of the most important songs of his life in that very home.
During his visit, David met the family currently living in his former home, further highlighting the importance of stable housing. He expressed his concern about the current state of social housing, stating, "It's heartbreaking to think so many children today don't have that same chance. Every child deserves the security, support and sense of belonging I was lucky enough to grow up with - and that means investing in social housing." This sentiment resonates strongly with Shelter, which is calling for the government to commit to building 90,000 social homes a year for the next decade in its upcoming June spending review.
Mairi MacRae, director of campaigns and policy at Shelter, praised David's efforts, noting, "His story shows just how powerful and life-changing a social home can be - providing the solid foundation for a successful career and future." She highlighted the stark reality faced by many children today, who are living in temporary accommodations filled with uncertainty, never knowing if they will be forced to move again, disrupting their education and community ties.
The urgency of this issue is underscored by recent statistics from the Office for National Statistics, which revealed that as of September 2024, there were 80,530 households with children living in temporary accommodation, a 15% increase from the previous year. Furthermore, between 2014 and 2023, the number of families waiting for houses with three or more bedrooms rose by 36.6%, according to Shelter, Crisis, and the National Housing Federation.
In response to the growing crisis, the government has pledged to inject £2 billion to support the largest boost in social and affordable housing in a generation. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government stated, "We’re taking urgent action to fix the broken system we inherited through our Plan for Change, investing in homelessness services, and bringing forward overdue reforms to the Right to Buy scheme that will protect the stock of existing social housing." In March 2025, the government announced that this funding would lead to the creation of 18,000 new social and affordable homes.
Craig David's return to his roots serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of stable housing on personal development. His debut album, "Born to Do It," released in 2000, became the fastest-selling debut by a British male solo act at the time, featuring hits like "Walking Away" and "Fill Me In." David's early experiences in the Holyrood Estate not only influenced his music but also instilled in him a strong sense of community and belonging.
Reflecting on his childhood, David shared, "I remember sitting in that home and dreaming. That's where the music started. And that's why I'll keep speaking up - because every child deserves the same chance to dream." His passion for advocating for social housing stems from a deep understanding of its importance in providing a nurturing environment for children.
As one of the UK's most beloved pop stars, Craig David continues to use his platform to address pressing social issues. With his recent resurgence in popularity, including performances at prestigious events like Glastonbury and receiving an MBE for services to music in 2021, his voice carries significant weight in the conversation around social housing.
David's story is not just a personal narrative; it reflects a broader societal issue that needs urgent attention. The call for increased investment in social housing is not merely a plea for more homes but a demand for a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive in a stable environment. As the government prepares for the June spending review, the spotlight is on them to respond to the needs of vulnerable families across the country.
In conclusion, Craig David's heartfelt advocacy for social housing serves as a reminder that every child deserves a safe and supportive home. As he continues to champion this cause, the hope is that his efforts will lead to meaningful change, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same sense of security and community that shaped his life.
