Learn more about Centrepoint's programmes, policy and research work – from the people at the frontline of youth homelessness.
Spotted a young person out on the streets that you’re worried about?
Laura from Centrepoint’s Helpli…
Our health team are a fundamental part of the work we do at Centrepoint. So much has changed for them – and the young people they support – since Coronavirus hit. Here, Centrepoint therapist Monica walks us through what a normal day looks like for her in the midst of the pandemic.
Today is World Mental Health Day and, coincidentally, World Homelessness Day. With this in mind, we thought there was no better time to speak to our Senior Psychotherapist, Stephen Geale, who works as part of London’s Health & Wellbeing team, about what it’s like to work for Centrepoint and why mental health services are such an important part of what we offer.
Craig McManus, Our Senior Development Officer, introduces our engagement programme, and reflects on …
Former Centrepoint resident Dale Taylor-Gentles tells us why Christmas can often feel like the loneliest time of year for young people without a stable family structure, and how the idea of a 'Found Family' meant he could look forward to the holidays again.
Make no mistake: racism is deadly and breeds hate, and it’s about time the world – individuals, governments and institutions like ours – reckoned with the part we play in perpetuating systemic racism. Here is our commitment to tackling this injustice.
This year, 25 November-10 December marks the international campaign of 16 Days Against Domestic Viol…
This week marks National Care Leavers Week, and as such we're highlighting the challenges faced by many care leavers trying to find an affordable place to call home - and what can be done to help them settle into the next stage of their life with ease.
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is an incredible annual show held every year and admired by people acros…
The evening at London's Roundhouse will feature performances from Duran Duran and Rita Ora, DJing from Nick Grimshaw, and Claudia Winkleman and James Nesbitt on hosting duties.
Last night Centrepoint took part in the National Housing Hustings, with current and former residents given the opportunity to ask crucial questions on the housing crisis.
In the lead up to next month's General Election, Centrepoint, Shelter, Homeless Link, Depaul UK, Crisis and St Mungo's have come together to launch new campaign 'End Homelessness Now'.
This week MPs debated the Chance to Move On campaign, following a visit to 10 Downing Street, where Centrepoint residents presented a petition of over 20,000 signatures.
Centrepoint has launched the biggest capital investment plan in its 50-year history: to deliver 300 new modular homes across London and Greater Manchester by 2021.
Whether you’re an SO aficionado or new to the tradition, here’s everything you need to know about this year’s Sleep Out.
Very few positives will arise from the situation we’re in, and nearly a million people having to claim Universal Credit because of job loss is not one of them. But it will give many people a more tangible idea of what it’s like to try and claim UC, and a respect for those who do, particularly the young people who we so often see at Centrepoint who have to face the monolithic benefits system alone.
The COVID-19 pandemic poses unprecedented risks to all, but those experiencing or at risk of homelessness are especially vulnerable. Charities like Centrepoint, Depaul UK and St Mungo’s which directly provide accommodation for people who are homeless are determined to do everything it takes to maintain the high level of service we deliver all year round, yet the sector needs vital support from the government to do this.
LGBT young people make up 24% of the youth homeless population. February marks LGBT Awareness Month, and so we're asking the all-important question: how can we ensure we create safe spaces for members of the LGBTQ+ community without a place to stay?
The Vagrancy Act has been part of UK legislation for nearly 200 years - but as it continues to criminalise rough sleepers and pushes them further into poverty, isn't it time we found a new approach, one that actually provides support to the UK's street homeless?
Here's what you need to now about The Vagrancy Act, and what we can do to change this antiquated law.
New research by Centrepoint highlights just how youth violence and criminal exploitation impacts on …
An education is an essential pathway into a good job for most - but for homeless young people, it can be what takes them out of a life of poverty and rough sleeping, and gives them a chance to create their own futures. But from the very start, getting into higher education can be a struggle in itself.
Nobody should become homeless as a result of leaving care, but our new research shows that more than…
So much of the Centrepoint health team’s work is carried out face-to-face with young people, meaning that, since Covid-19 took hold, it was essential for the team to pivot – and quickly – to a virtual way of working. Here's how they managed it.
Ahead of the General Election on 12 December, we must shine light on an unjust benefits system that is denying young people the chance to move on from homelessness. Public affairs and campaigns officer Vicky Nevin discusses Centrepoint’s Chance to Move On campaign.
Centrepoint’s research and policy officer Billy Harding makes the case why all political parties need to deliver on their housing promises at this general election.
After years of campaigning, the regulations which reinstate housing benefit for young people aged 18…
This Mother’s Day, Hayley from our Health team describes how she worked with local businesses to cre…
Hot weather can be detrimental to the health of those sleeping rough – and with a UK heatwave on its way, there’s never been a better time to know what you can do to help those stuck outside.
With the deadline for registering to vote ending at midnight tonight, homeless young people still have the chance to have their say.
Vicky Nevin, Centrepoint’s Public Affairs and Campaigns Officer, reflects on the success of the Chance To Move On campaign. Ahead of the Spending Review, she calls for greater government investment to prevent youth homelessness.
Elena Derbyshire, Mental Health Advisor at Centrepoint, explains how we can challenge stigma and get…
If you met a young person who was homeless or at risk, would you know how to help them?
Most people …
Last week Labour leader hopeful Lisa Nandy stood in a room at our Dean Street services, filled with journalists, young people and Centrepoint staff, to deliver a speech about why she deserves to be the next leader of the Labour party.
Former Centrepoint resident Jade has been looking after her two small children since the pandemic took hold. No easy feat, by any means, but Jade's struggles are twofold: as a former addict in recovery, lockdown has tested her strength to stay sober. Here, Jade tells us her lockdown story in her own words.
Centrepoint’s policy and research officer Billy Harding talks about our new research on the impacts of Coronavirus on youth homelessness in England.
Centrepoint's new research reveals over 103,000 young people in the UK are homeless or at risk.
Hann…
For Young Carers Awareness day, here's what it's like to be a young carer for someone you love - and what we can do to help.
Our research estimates 86,000 young people asked for help from their local council in 2016-17 becaus…
Research shows more homeless young people are turning to the night bus as a place for shelter than ever before - but they can be an incredibly dangerous place for a young person to be.
Over the Christmas period last year, an estimated 22,000 young people sought help because they were homeless or at risk of homelessness. Centrepoint’s policy and research officer Billy Harding discusses new research into the experiences of homeless young people across England and Wales.
There’s still time for you and your business to join us in London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on 21 November. And if you’re still not sure whether to don your thermals, let ludlowthompson, our longest serving corporate Sleep Out partner, convince you.
With 103,000 homeless young people approaching their local council because they were homeless or at …
Centrepoint has implemented a ‘Psychologically Informed Environment’ (PIE) across the organisation. Here, Consultant Clinical and Forensic Psychologist Dr Helen Miles, explains what this will mean for the charity and our homeless young people.
Many people leave prison without a clear plan for where they are going to live.
Abigail Gill, Centre…
Nina Calder, Connect Legal Advice Clinic Coordinator, explains how our partnerships help homeless yo…
Billy Harding, Policy and Research Officer, talks about the importance of youth work in tackling iss…
Vicky Nevin, Centrepoint's Public Affairs Officer, introduces our new report exploring the barriers …
The UK's lockdown has been tough on everyone. But for vulnerable young people who are unable to self-isolate effectively, it could literally be the difference between life and death. Here's what we're doing to protect homeless young people - and what we'd like to see in the weeks to come.
Sleep Out has finally begun, and we’re seeing people grabbing their thermals up and down the country to join us in raising money for London’s homeless young people. But if you’re new to Sleep Out, our regular corporate Sleep Out-ers give you their best tips and tricks to get you through the night and beyond.
Christmas is often a difficult time for the young people we support at Centrepoint.
Elena Derbyshire…
Four Feet Under by Tamsen Courtenay takes an in-depth look at the lives of London’s homeless.
As of Sunday 20 September, landlords will once again be able to evict tenants in England and Wales. This is no doubt a scary time for many – the effects of Covid-19 are far from over, even if many aspects of life seem to be returning to normal. If you find yourself with an eviction notice, there are measures you can take that could help with your situation.
Nadeen Haidar and Isabel Rice, Centrepoint's dietitians, introduce The Food Point – our pioneering n…
Here, we take a look back over the success of the social supermarket and why it's so invaluable to the young people Centrepoint supports.
Vicky Nevin, Centrepoint’s Public Affairs Officer, and Ffion from our Helpline Team discuss the roll…
The new legislation marks a real turning point in the fight to tackle and ultimately prevent homeles…
Last week, we met with Employment Minister Alok Sharma to discuss Universal Credit and how the gover…
The government’s flagship youth unemployment programme aims to provide unemployed 18 to 21 year olds…
Vicky Nevin, Centrepoint’s Public Affairs Officer, makes the case for increased investment in traineeships and better access for young people who may otherwise have limited opportunities.
This International Women’s Day, Letricia Black, life coach and founder of U.G.L.Y Tribe, introduces …
Paul Noblet, Centrepoint’s Head of Public Affairs, welcomes the government’s decision in the Budget …
Billy Harding, Centrepoint’s Policy and Research Officer, explains the most recent changes to the Go…
Centrepoint wouldn't be successful without positive relationships between homeless young people and …
DSS discrimination affects the people who need homes the most. Here’s what you need to know – and how we can stop it from happening.
Universal Credit is the new benefits system which aims to make welfare payments easier for claimants. But what was once billed as being more generous than the old system is now leaving many worse off than before.
Here's what you need to know about Universal Credit - and what we can do to ensure it serves those who need it most.
Finland’s government have managed to significantly reduce the number of homeless people in the country. Could their system work in a post-Covid UK?
2019 was a great year for Centrepoint: we honoured a milestone anniversary, raised over £900,000 for our annual Sleep Out and saw our work reach more young people than ever. And now, for 2020, we've got plenty more to look forward to - Centrepoint CEO Seyi Obakin talks us through our plans for the year ahead.
Abigail Gill, Centrepoint's Policy and Research Manager, presents the research behind our Everyone S…
At the start of the coronavirus lockdown, the Government’s ‘Everybody In’ scheme directed councils to bring all rough sleepers in from the streets. This strategy has no doubt saved lives, but as lockdown eases and council contracts with hotels come to an end, the future is uncertain for many homeless people.
Centrepoint’s Policy and Research Officer Billy Harding looks at why young people under 25 get a lower level of support through the benefits system and argues why this needs to change.
For many young people claiming benefits, Universal Credit can be both a blessing and a curse. For those like Daniel, getting into non-standard employment meant his UC left him in detrimental financial difficulty.
In 2019 we had people from both corporations and community bringing their sleeping bags along the join us at events up and down the country this year - including one of our long-serving corporate partners, The Co-operative Bank. Here's why they get involved year after year.
