Christchurch mum 'on a mission' to change the stigma associated with homelessness
‘You can still go to work and take your children to school and be homeless’: Christchurch mother shares hidden homelessness story
A Christchurch business owner who spent more than six months without a permanent home while raising her children and rebuilding her career is sharing her experience to encourage others to seek help before they reach crisis point.
Daisy Bevis, known online as SouthCoastMum, found herself living in a campervan as she and her family tried to rebuild their lives.
“I think people picture homelessness as sleeping rough,” she said. “But that’s not always what it looks like. You can still get up, go to work, smile at people, take your children to school and still be homeless.”
Daisy and her husband had been running a successful personal training business in Reading but rising living and rental costs forced the family to move in with Daisy’s mother while she was pregnant.
Problems surrounding their business premises and the cost of legal action then forced them to reconsider plans to move to Canada.
After selling much of their gym equipment, the couple launched a new personal training business in Christchurch in May 2025. Their business began to grow, but they still had nowhere permanent to live.
The family initially commuted between Reading and Christchurch before buying a campervan and moving between campsites. They spent more than six months without a permanent home.
“It wasn’t sustainable,” Daisy said. “You don’t realise how much having a home underpins every part of your life until you don’t have one.”
By late 2025, the pressure was taking its toll. As self-employed business owners, the couple struggled to meet landlords’ income requirements and did not have enough savings for a rental deposit.
Daisy eventually contacted BCP Council and was referred to a housing case officer, who explained the support available, including help with a private rental deposit.
“It was reassuring to finally speak to someone who could explain what support was available,” she said.
After contacting letting agents, Daisy eventually found a landlord willing to rent to the family. They are now settled in Parkstone.
Councillor Kieron Wilson said Daisy’s experience showed how easily homelessness could remain hidden.
“Homelessness is not always visible,” he said. “Nobody should feel ashamed of asking for help.”
Daisy hopes her story will encourage anyone worried about losing their home to contact BCP Council’s Homelessness Early Prevention Team as soon as possible, rather than waiting until their situation becomes a crisis.