Our blog is a safe space where we discuss the things that really matter to us: young people, housing, government policy, our campaigns and our research.
It's where we ask the difficult questions, demystify the jargon, discuss the topics that affect young people most and give you a glimpse of our day-to-day as a youth homelessness charity.
Learn more about Centrepoint from those on the front line below.
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.
Centrepoint’s new report, A Year Like No Other, has reflected on the impact of the last year on vulnerable young people, looking at youth unemployment, homelessness, poverty and mental health, and assessing the impact of the government’s policy interventions during the pandemic.
Here, Deputy Service Manager Emily Cretch talks us through the research, and reflects on how the past year has been for her and her team.
Craig McManus, Our Senior Development Officer, introduces our engagement programme, and reflects on …
After being referred to Centrepoint at just 16, Jamie has longed for stable accommodation. This year, Jamie was able to secure herself a permanent place to call home. In her own words, here’s how she got there – and how she’ll be celebrating Christmas in her new abode.
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.
STAY:UP is fast approaching, and we’re looking forward to seeing some new and familiar faces through our screens for our second event that challenges people to tackle tiredness for youth homelessness.
But what activities can you do to help us raise money for homeless young people? And who’s going to be taking part this time round? Well, we’ve got a great night lined up for you on Friday 28 May – here’s everything you need to know about STAY:UP 2021…
Our research shows that in 2019/20, 121,000 young people in the UK approached their council for help as they were currently homeless or at risk of homelessness – a 40% rise in the last four years. With winter fast approaching, this means thousands of young people are facing cold nights on the streets. Here's how you can help.
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'.
Our legal team recently experienced a bittersweet victory: through years of hard work they managed to reclaim a huge backlog of benefits payments owed to a young person using Centrepoint’s services. A huge and monumental success, yes -but it certainly wasn’t an easy win.
As our former engagement team begin to reintroduce events and outings that aim to inspire and empower as the HOMES Activities Team, we caught up with them after a residential outing to Staffordshire, which brought together homeless young people from services all over the country for some daring outdoor activities. Here, the team tell us what these trips mean to young people, and just how it helps them prepare for independence.
Our legal team make up a vital part of the service we offer young people at Centrepoint. For those seeking legal support, it can be incredibly difficult to attain without financial aid, and so many often go without. Centrepoint is here to help change that. Nabila, a legal administrator coming to the end of a secondment with the Legal Team, tells us about what she has learnt during her time with the department and the important service they provide.
For so many young people who come through our doors, Centrepoint's Bursary provides a crucial lifeline for continuing their education and starting a career - both of which are key steps to independence.
But did you know that we actually have three different kinds of Bursary, and that it's actually one of the last steps in helping young people to move on from homelessness?
Find out more about our life-changing Bursaries here.
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.
A large proportion of young people entering Centrepoint’s services are not in education, employment …
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.
New stats show that, whilst homelessness continues to increase at an alarming rate, the resources available are not sufficient at meeting this current demand. Centrepoint's Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Paul Noblet, asserts that the government need to do more for the UK's rough sleepers.
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.
The ramifications of Covid-19 has made the route to youth homelessness much easier and reaching vulnerable young people far harder. Centrepoint has successfully managed to pivot to virtual support, but we need your help to make sure we continue to help those with complex mental health needs.
Nobody should become homeless as a result of leaving care, but our new research shows that more than…
A recent UK parliament report has found that inflation could reach its highest level recorded since 1992. With wages not growing nearly as fast, the chasm between earnings and the cost of living is growing at a seismic rate, leaving thousands to increasingly cut costs to keep themselves afloat.
This is a nationwide crisis: it affects us all, but certainly touches some more than others. So, how can you help the homeless if you don’t have the resources to donate your own money?
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.
Financial benefits, housing support and access to government employment programmes are all key to helping homeless people gain their independence. However, for the homeless, benefits – and the process of claiming them – can sometimes seem confusing. That’s why we’re here to help with our handy guide to your entitlement.
Most people know Jade Johnson as an Olympic track and field athlete; many may recognise her from her high-scoring Foxtrot on Strictly Come Dancing. But before Jade made it big, she spent a brief period as a homeless young person at 17. Here she tells us about her experience – and how it’s made her a stronger person.
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…
For those who are able to claim asylum in the UK, many barriers lie ahead. Without knowing the language, or how the systems that will be integral to their livelihood work, young refugees will struggle to secure the basics: food, shelter and good health.
Centrepoint’s goal is to help vulnerable young people become independent enough to live a good life that they can thrive in. And we are open to all homeless young people, regardless of their geographical circumstances. Whether they’ve been kicked out of their family home in London or have travelled to the UK as an unaccompanied minor, we’re here to help.
Want to donate to a food bank, or thinking about using one yourself? Here's everything you need to know about doing this safely during the ongoing pandemic.
Centrepoint’s new report reveals the true scale of youth homelessness in local areas across the UK. Every year over 100,000 young people aged 16-24 ask the council for help with homelessness. We examine the shocking number of homeless young people in 2019-20.
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.
With over 600,000 shows and 62 million listeners, you could say podcasts are pretty popular - which is why we created our own. This National Podcasting Day, we’re taking a deep dive into one of our two fantastic Centrepoint podcasts, the youth-led Point Made. Find out how we made it, why it was important, and discover the young people who helped make it such a passionate podcast.
This International Women’s Day, we want to celebrate the women of Centrepoint who make up over half of Centrepoint’s Senior Executive Team. Without them, Centrepoint wouldn’t, and couldn’t, be the charity it is today.
Tara Self, Forensic Mental Health MSc graduate at King’s College London, discusses the findings of a…
Elena Derbyshire, Mental Health Advisor at Centrepoint, explains how we can challenge mental health …
Earlier this year, Ben Harris, 22, attempted to kayak solo the length of Lake Tanganika, the longest lake in the world. Despite some snags along the way, Ben managed to complete his mission and raised a whopping £12,000 for Centrepoint. Here, we speak to him about his incredible journey.
For LGBT History Month, we spoke to two former staff members about what it was like to work in Centrepoint’s Soho night shelter at the height of the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s.
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.
Today sees the London mayoral elections take place once again, but this year will be different from the others: in the wake of a pandemic that has devastated the lives of many all over the country, there is much to rebuild.
All candidates have vowed to improve London over the next four years – but who will make a difference to the lives of homeless young people?
Centrepoint's new research reveals over 103,000 young people in the UK are homeless or at risk.
Hann…
Men’s Health Week aims to improve the lives of men and boys, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. This year, as we emerge from the biggest health crisis of the 21st century, the question is: where do we go from here?
For any new mum, the journey into motherhood is an alien experience. For the young people in our services, the pressure is twofold: not only are they navigating the demands of new life, but they are often dealing with their own trauma, be it a family breakdown, fleeing violence, or the experience of rough sleeping.
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…
Our research estimates nearly 122,000 young people asked for help from their local council in 2020-21 because they were homeless or at risk.
Dan Poursaeedi, Centrepoint's Senior Policy, Research and Databank Officer, explains the findings of the recent Youth Homelessness Databank report for 2020-2021.
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.
In July 2020, we put together a mission statement of how we planned to support Black, Asian and ethnic minority (BAME) staff within Centrepoint. We promised to hold ourselves accountable, to look at our processes, and to speak to those at the heart of the matter: our staff.
A lot of our work on being anti-racist begins on the inside, at the core. And so, we wanted to share an update on our progress with you, our supporters, to let you know we’re still striving towards our mission. Here’s what we’ve been up to.
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.
As more expectant mothers are finding themselves without a roof over their head, the right support has never been more vital. This not only ensures the health and well-being of the mother but of her child as well. We’re here to guide you through your options and the services available to help you through this crucial time.
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 …
As recipients of the lowest amount of Universal Credit, young people have been left struggling to make ends meet for decades. When the weekly £20 uplift is removed at the end of this month, many vulnerable young people who live independently from their family will be forced to compromise between food, bills or rent – an impossible choice that will make it even harder for homeless young people to move forward with their lives.
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.
Centrepoint has been building a new, psychologically-informed, working environment with staff wellbeing at its heart.
Here, Senior Digital and Communications Officer Keir Forde, explains why and how we’re promoting staff wellbeing, and where we’ve got to in our first 12 months.
Last Thursday, we held our first ever STAY:UP fundraising event - and now we’ve managed to catch up on our sleep, we’re here to tell you all about it.
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.
This week Centrepoint sent our submission to the Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review - which has since been cancelled in favour of a ‘winter economy plan’. However, this still gives charities like Centrepoint the opportunity to identify where we think money needs to be spent and policies need to be changed.
Our partnership with The Co-Operative Bank has been a long and fruitful one. And this month we have a lot to celebrate, as they prepare to hit a huge milestone in their fundraising efforts for Centrepoint. Read here more about our our partnership and all the fantastic ways they have supported us to reach such an incredible fundraising achievement.
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…
Good hygiene has never been more important. But for the homeless, hygiene is a complicated issue. When you have no roof over your head, let alone access to warm running water, those cleanliness practices can be a challenge. This not only poses a risk to physical wellbeing, but can also affect mental health. Thankfully, hygiene kits for homeless people can make all the difference.
Last week, we met with Employment Minister Alok Sharma to discuss Universal Credit and how the gover…
The government’s flagship youth unemployment programme, the Youth Obligation, aims to provide unempl…
Coronavirus has been tough on everyone, but as we go into winter, young people will face far tougher conditions than most. It’s this demographic that are most at risk of losing their jobs during the pandemic, and without a steady income it’s likely to force some young people into precarious circumstances.
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.
On the 9 and 10 October Centrepoint’s corporate partner, Dazed, invited its audiences to come behind the scenes at its HQ at 180 The Strand in London for DAZED LIVE, to mark their 30th anniversary. The two-day festival, aimed at 16- to 25-year-olds, focused on making and showcasing music, art, fashion, activism and more, all in aid of Centrepoint.
This International Women’s Day, Letricia Black, life coach and founder of U.G.L.Y Tribe, introduces …
Centrepoint has updated and published our Universal Credit guides for young people and those supporting them. They include information on the up-to-date benefit rates, rules, and regulations within Universal Credit. Our Policy and Research Assistant, Franki Taylor, talks you through it.
Paul Noblet, Centrepoint’s Head of Public Affairs, welcomes the government’s decision in the Budget …
Last month, when the Children’s Commissioner Anne Longfield said 16- and 17 year-olds in care should not be put in danger by their accommodation, you’d be hard pressed to find someone that disagreed. But to follow the Commissioner’s suggestion and ban unregulated accommodation would be to throw the baby out with the bathwater.
Here's what needs to be done instead.
Eurydice Belezika, Peer Research Coordinator and former Centrepoint resident in London, talks about her experience of conducting research and campaigning to support disadvantaged young people.
Billy Harding, Centrepoint’s Policy and Research Officer, explains the most recent changes to the Go…
The Office for National Statistics states 2.3 million people experienced domestic abuse in the year to March 2020 – and with the current restrictions of coronavirus, this number is likely to soar. So what are the signs of domestic abuse? What should we do if we encounter them? And how can we help young people through such turmoil? Here, we explain everything you need to know.
Centrepoint wouldn't be successful without positive relationships between homeless young people and …
Sunday 10 October 2021 marks the 11th World Homeless Day, originally established to recognise those working to end homelessness across the world. Since its inception in 2010, the day has represented the need to raise awareness of homelessness, support those who experience it, and fight for their futures.
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.
In the first of a series of blogs written by current and former residents, we meet Shannon Pink-Murphy who, with the support of Centrepoint, recently moved into her own place and started a foundation course at university - all in the midst of COVID-19. From Centrepoint resident to fashion student, here’s Shannon’s journey in her own words.
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?
Centrepoint’s Policy and Research Manager Billy Harding and Campaigns and Mobilisation Officer Pooja Singh talk about how we can work together to End Youth Homelessness once and for all – and how you can get involved.
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.
Everyone should have a place they can call home. And yet, our research shows the number of homeless young people keeps growing. Many factors can feed into youth homelessness, but access to housing is a big one – and addressing these barriers to secure long-term accommodation is key.
Around 41% of young people in our services are women – and we know each and every one has an incredibly inspiring story. This year the theme for International Women’s Day is #BreakTheBias, so our Digital Campaigns and Mobilisation Officer Pooja Singh had a chat with former and current Centrepoint residents Zinnia and Nadi.
More than 50% of the young people Centrepoint supports come from a Black, Asian and ethnic minority background. As such, our hope this Black History Month is to initiate conversations that will help foster a fully inclusive culture at Centrepoint. Here, Digital Campaigns and Mobilisation Officer, Pooja Singh, sheds light on the challenges of being young, Black and homeless, from the perspectives of Centrepoint’s frontline staff.
