Meet the famous faces joining the fight to end youth homelessness.
Ellie Goulding became an ambassador after meeting Centrepoint young people in our services and learning about our work first hand. "Centrepoint do such incredible work giving those who have become homeless and those who are at risk of it the help, support and opportunities that all young people should have in order to build a future," says Ellie. "Having spent time with the awesome staff and talking to those whose lives have been truly turned around, I really really have to commend their work and dedication to young people."
Lady Kitty Spencer became an ambassador in 2016. Lady Kitty met a group of young people at Centrepoint’s London hostels and was blown away by their ambition and passion – despite their difficult circumstances. "What Centrepoint does is really turn young people’s lives around. From teaching young people about budgeting and nutrition to encouraging them to go for internships," says Kitty. "They're helping people get back on their feet. It's not just a shelter."
The presenter of Amazon Prime's The Grand Tour joined Centrepoint as an ambassador in January 2019. "On first meeting some of the young people being helped back into society by Centrepoint I was smitten with the directness, the immediacy of what they do," he says. "In our modern, global, ‘connected’ world that can so often feel weirdly disconnected and remote, Centrepoint’s concentrated efforts to work one-on-one to directly influence and improve the lives of worthy and wonderful young people stand out."
Britain's No. 1 female tennis player joined Centrepoint as an official ambassador in June 2018. "Homelessness has always been an issue which has really touched me, especially when it affects so many people that are close to me in age,” she says. "If I can help, even in a small way, to make things better for them by publicly supporting Centrepoint and all the amazing work it does then count me in.”
Homelessness has always been very close to my heart. When I was younger, witnessing homelessness upset me terribly - everyone has a right to have a safe place to call home. My generation have it so much harder; housing is difficult to find and even harder to be in a position to afford it without help. It’s an honour to be chosen as an Ambassador for Centrepoint - it isn’t about just a bed and a place to stay; they truly help people learn life skills, get into work or education and give people a chance at a new beginning.
Everyone’s favourite chat show host became our ambassador in 2013 and regularly steps up as host at our Ultimate Pub Quiz challenge.
BBC Radio 2 DJ Sara is one of Centrepoint's longest standing ambassadors, supporting us for more than 15 years.
Tennis player Heather has supported Centrepoint since the start of her career. Heather loves how Centrepoint provides much more than just somewhere to sleep for vulnerable young adults, that it really does make a difference.
Presenter and actress Lisa is a long standing and valued ambassador who always goes out of her way to support Centrepoint.
As a broadcaster, I’ve seen up close the courage and talent of homeless young people helped by Centrepoint and the effort this wonderful charity goes to in supporting them.
I’m proud to now be an ambassador for a charity which doesn’t settle for simply keeping vulnerable young people safe. With the right help into education or work homeless young people can achieve great things – and I’m going to help shout about it.
Celebrity chef Aldo experienced homelessness himself as a teenager and became a cook to make sure he was able to eat. He became an ambassador in 2016 and has been key to the success of The Big Broth.
James Bond star Colin Salmon became an ambassador in 2015. Colin comes from a diverse and often challenging background and feels a resonance and empathy with Centrepoint's vision.
Journalist Emily Maitlis is a brilliant and brave ambassador. Not only has she joined us at Sleep Out, she’s even taken on the Royal Parks Half Marathon and appeared on the BBC's Pointless Celebrities for us.
Head Judge on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, Shirley joined Centrepoint as an ambassador in 2018. "Centrepoint does the most unbelievable job for youth homelessness," she said.
I think Centrepoint is absolutely one of the most important charities, especially for those of us who live in the capital and both see its benefits and the harsh realities of lives not supported by it. The homeless problem in the UK and our major cities is extensive and it’s an incredible privilege to be able to support the amazing work that Centrepoint is doing on its mission to end youth homelessness.
Sadie has been a loyal supporter of Centrepoint over the last ten years. Whether it's taking part in Sleep Out, cooking lentil soup for The Big Broth or getting to know our young people, she's been a constant supporter of our campaigns.
The BBC Radio presenter and journalist has been a supporter of Centrepoint for the last seven years. She recently judged The Big Broth competition and also interviewed Sara Cox on her radio show about the scale of youth homelessness.
The England and Reading Ladies star experienced homelessness early in her professional career. She's an inspiration for Street Football Team England, and coaches our players at events like the Homeless World Cup.
Marland got in touch in 2020 after meeting a homeless young person in Manchester who told him about the help he was receiving from Centrepoint. Since then he’s been working hard to establish projects directly supporting disadvantaged young people in Manchester, and raise the profile of Centrepoint’s work.
Homelessness is on the rise. Members of my family have been very close to living on the street and it is far easier than many would think – that slippery slope down to having no fixed address. Centrepoint helps fix these issues in a long-term, sustainable way with people that really care. It is a wonderful charity.
Voice of the X-Factor Peter Dickson has been a great supporter of Centrepoint for many years. He regularly lends his distinctive vocals to help us shout about youth homelessness.
Ching He Huang cooked her way out of poverty before becoming a TV chef. She was a judge for Centrepoint’s 2018 Big Broth and believes that anyone can turn their life around with the right help and support.
Claire Tyler has sat in the House of Lords as Baroness Tyler of Enfield since February 2011. Between 2007 and 2012 Claire was the CEO of Relate, and she currently chairs the Make Every Adult Matter coalition of charities helping adults with multiple needs.
HRH The Duke of Cambridge has been our Patron since 2005 – following in the footsteps of his mother, Princess Diana. Prince William would visit our hostels when he was a child and, when it was his turn to take over some of her patronages, Centrepoint was the first one he chose.
He regularly visits us both in the public eye, but also in private, so he can meet and chat to the young people we support.