We share the stories of those with lived experience of homelessness and those working to end it. Through these voices, we raise awareness, inform research and raise funds to support young people and to end youth homelessness.
Annie, or Jae as they were known to their friends, came to Centrepoint after experiencing family difficulties. Despite a sometimes-strained relationship, Annie and their family remained close. Annie tragically passed away just a week before their 21st birthday due to complications from hypothyroidism, a condition they were diagnosed with as a teenager.
Sam, 21, became homeless following a family breakdown and struggles with his mental health. Centrepoint supported Sam to begin living a more independent life and start rebuilding his relationship with his family.
Chelsea and Jayden have come from the lowest points in their lives to looking forward to their first Christmas together in their own home. Not only did they find each other at Centrepoint, they have both been helped and supported to find the self-belief and confidence they need to live independent lives.
Ceiran, 19, was referred to Centrepoint after leaving care at age 18. He has been supported by our Centrepoint Works team with interview practice and through the Centrepoint Bursary so that he could complete the application process to become a Police Community and Support Officer with the London MET Police.
Harmony, 18, became homeless following a family breakdown and has been supported by Centrepoint for the past year. She is passionate about music and poetry and hopes to one day become a holistic therapist.
When Tara (20) was 18, she fell pregnant with her first child and had to leave home and was referred into one of Centrepoint’s services for young parents. Despite financial struggles and adjusting to the big changes of becoming a mother, two years on, Tara and her son are doing well and living independently.
David Monteith Hodge
Eli, 20, became homeless following a family breakdown and slept rough for a short time before requesting a referral to Centrepoint. Since then, he has been supported by the CP Works team and the Centrepoint bursary to support his catering and hospitality apprenticeship. He hopes one day to open his own restaurant.
David Monteith Hodge
Cassie was referred to Centrepoint at 17 after a bereavement triggered a family breakdown and she became homeless. Four years later, Cassie has completed her degree in Fine Art and a PGCE and has just qualified as an art teacher.
Lisa, 21, came to the UK from Vietnam aged 12 and became a resident at Centrepoint after leaving care at 18. She moved on from Centrepoint when she started university and throughout her degree she was supported financially through the Centrepoint Bursary. She has recently graduated with a first class honours.
Kyle became homeless back in 2011 when he was just 16. Family difficulties meant he wasn’t able to stay at home, so he began his journey with Centrepoint. 14 years on he is still proudly involved with Centrepoint and hopes to help a new generation of young people experiencing homelessness.
Ellie found Centrepoint when she was at University doing her Masters. Despite difficulties throughout her education she passed with a distinction and now focuses on helping other young people who need support.
Sanya became homeless at 18 after a bereavement triggered a family breakdown. She lived with relatives for a short period before presenting as homeless to her local council and eventually being referred to Centrepoint where she has received holistic support in a number of areas. Three years later, she is in her own home and recently graduated with a first class honours.
