‘It's really expensive homelessness’ - realities of van life

It's really expensive homelessness, basically, isn't it?That's what it is, because you're kind of homeless, but you've got all the bills of a vehicle.If you don't want to stay living with your mum until you're 40, or your dad, like your parents, then what else?What's your other options, really?

I've lived here in Cornwall for the last three years, and I want to find out why so many people are ending up in their vans, and what life is really like for those always on the road.It's becoming an increasingly popular and controversial way of life here within the county.

I work full time in Truro as a waitress and then also go to college as well.

And so how are you finding that as a single woman on the road as well?

Like scary, but at the same time I enjoy it as well.Probably empowering I'd say.

When you say scary, is it just the fact of being on the roadside on your own?

I think so, and being alone as well and something happens and I'm like 300 miles away currently from anyone I know apart from people I've met while here.

And I met several people living in their cars and vans who are really struggling, both mentally and financially.

Is this one yours or this one?

Yeah, so this one's mine.This one's my friend's.Wow.Yeah, I'm actually living on top of a car at the moment.That's crazy.Yeah.

You've been doing this for how long now?

Well, in this car, I've probably been doing this about four or five months.

Yeah.

I've been living on the road now for seven years.I can't afford to live in a house.Day -to -day things, just even like down here, I passed these.£6 .50, I can't afford, that's all.

So do you think I can have a quick look inside?

Yeah.Oh, amazing.I currently haven't got my power charger in here, but you know, it's a bit messy as well, I do apologise.

So do I just pop up the ladder?

Yeah, yeah, it's safe, it's safe, don't worry.You know, it is a bit messy.I've got the lights, you know, I've got a fan, we've got skylights in here.

Oh, that's quite, it's a lot more spacious.

Yeah, it is.

It's a lot more spacious than I was expecting.On a beautiful day like today, it's easy to see the appeal of van life.However, there does seem to be two distinct groups within the van.life community.Those that have actively chosen this lifestyle and those that have been forced into it.How long have you been living the van life for?

So, altogether, most of my life, actually.In Cornwall, probably about 12 years now.It's become a lot harder because now town people are clicking on.Because there's more of us.

So how do you find being a single woman living in the van?

If you are wanting freedom within your mindset, I think it's a way to set yourself free.